Next-Gen Shopping: The Power of AR and AI Together
- Sushant Bhalerao
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
Augmented Reality (AR) has already proven its value in making online shopping interactive and engaging. Artificial Intelligence (AI), on the other hand, powers personalization, data insights, and smarter recommendations. Together, AR and AI are reshaping the future of e-commerce.
How AR and AI Complement Each Other
AR provides the experience: Customers can try products virtually, visualize them in their environment, or interact with 3D models.
AI provides intelligence: Based on preferences, behavior, and data, AI suggests what the customer might like best.
When combined, these technologies create a personalized, immersive shopping experience that goes beyond what traditional e-commerce can offer.
Real-World Examples
1) Sephora
Sephora’s AR try-on tool is backed by AI algorithms that recommend shades suited to the user’s skin tone. Instead of browsing through hundreds of options, customers see curated choices, making shopping easier.
2) IKEA
IKEA’s AR app could be further enhanced by AI. For example, after scanning a room, AI could suggest matching furniture, color palettes, and décor ideas. This transforms shopping into a personalized interior design experience.
3) Footwear Brands
Apps like Nike Fit use AR to measure customers’ feet and AI to recommend the most suitable size across different shoe models. This combination reduces returns and improves satisfaction.
Benefits for Businesses
Personalization at Scale: Every customer gets recommendations tailored to them.
Higher Engagement: Shoppers enjoy an interactive, customized experience.
Reduced Returns: With AR visualization and AI-driven suggestions, customers make fewer mistakes.
Data-Driven Insights: AI analyzes AR interactions to reveal what products customers try most, how long they engage, and what influences purchase decisions.
The Future: AR + AI
The next generation of shopping will likely include:
Virtual Personal Shoppers powered by AR and AI.
Dynamic Product Suggestions that change based on the shopper’s real-time AR interactions.
Voice and Gesture-Based AR Shopping with AI understanding context.
AR-Powered Social Commerce, where AI recommends products during live AR sessions on platforms like Instagram.
Final Thoughts
The combination of AR and AI will define the future of e-commerce. While AR makes shopping fun and interactive, AI ensures it is personalized and relevant. Businesses that integrate both will stand out, offering customers not just products, but experiences.
At EC Infosolutions, we see AR and AI as the future toolkit for brands that want to lead in digital commerce. The question is not whether customers will expect these features, but when. Forward-looking businesses should start exploring AR and AI now to stay ahead of the curve.