Introduction to Augmented Reality in Restaurants
New York City’s Vino Levantino wine bar is taking the dining experience to a complete recent level. The desserts on their menu will not be only delicious but additionally unique and unfamiliar to many purchasers. To help customers make informed decisions, the owner, Haim Amit, uses an augmented reality application called Kabaq to showcase virtual, 3-D models of desserts on an iPad.
How Kabaq Works
Kabaq is a tech startup that helps diners determine what to eat by providing a digital twist to traditional menus. The company’s founder, Alper Guler, explains that humans are visual creatures, and the app takes advantage of this by superimposing 3-D models of dishes onto the tabletop in front of shoppers. To create these models, Guler and his team visit participating restaurants to capture 3-D images of their dishes using a conveyable, tabletop photo booth.
The 3-D Imaging Process
The process involves placing dishes on a turntable contained in the photo booth and capturing images from all possible angles. Cameras placed at various heights take pictures of the dish every second, and the pictures are then processed to create 3-D models. This technology allows customers to see what they’re getting before they order, making it easier for them to make decisions.
The Benefits of Kabaq
The use of Kabaq has proven to be good for business. Since Vino Levantino began using the app in June, overall sales have increased by about 22 percent. The technology shouldn’t be only helping restaurant owners raise their check averages by selling more desserts, but it surely’s also providing a singular dining experience that customers love. According to Mike Cadoux, Kabaq’s head of sales and partnerships, the app is sort of a modern-day dessert cart, allowing customers to see what they’re getting before they order.
Increased Sales and Customer Engagement
The app can also be increasing customer engagement, with customers noticeably excited concerning the technology. They’re surprised and delighted by the digital presentation, which is nearly like a toy. On a recent night, two 20-something customers took a direct liking to the app, saying it’s like having the entire plate in front of you. This technology is popping out to be a very good fit for foodies, who love the concept of with the ability to see what they’re getting before they order.
The Future of Food Technology
3-D scanning technology shouldn’t be only getting used in restaurants but additionally in other areas of the food industry. Artist Romain Rouffet used 3-D scanning to create a 3-D recipe for banoffee pie that users can zoom out and in of and consider from all angles. This technology is potentially an indication of innovations to come back, with augmented reality and 3-D viewing becoming integral to the following generation of experience.
Conclusion
The use of augmented reality in restaurants is changing the way in which we dine. With apps like Kabaq, customers can see what they’re getting before they order, making it easier for them to make decisions. The technology shouldn’t be only good for business, but it surely’s also providing a singular dining experience that customers love. As the food industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more innovations like this in the longer term.
