While the capabilities of 5G are still being fully explored, attention is already turning to what the future of connectivity will look like. 6G is coming, and it’s set to revolutionise the retail industry.
5G has laid the foundation for seamless personalised connectivity, but 6G will take this a step further. It boasts faster speeds, near-zero latency, supports enhanced AI integration and is being developed with the purpose of supporting future technologies.
With physical stores needing to develop innovative ways to attract additional footfall, over 50% of brands have indicated that they would increase their investment in immersive experiences. 6G will be game-changing in this sense, but the opportunities it will provide the retail industry will extend far beyond the shop floor.
A more immersive retail experience
If the current rate of advancements maintains its course, businesses should prepare for 6G to be rolled out in 2030 and can expect a transformation in the retail sector when it comes to consumer experiences.
Augmented and virtual reality are set to elevate the retail experience. They offer a blend of both digital and real-world experiences that make shopping more immersive and interactive. Whether it is offering a virtual fitting room, providing information about products in real-time as you point your smartphone at them or making a display interactive and engaging, the technology being leveraged is seamlessly integrated into the retail experience.
This is where 6G comes in.
High data rates, ultra-low latency and edge computing will ensure a smoother experience for consumers. It’s essential that AR and VR are supported by a robust ecosystem to make this happen. Otherwise, it could result in offering a subpar journey and negative impact on brand loyalty.
As the technology becomes more common, consumers will become less tolerant of imperfections, inaccuracies and lagging. The transformation of the retail experience needs to be accompanied by a next-gen form of wireless communication that provides an experience that keeps consumers coming back.
Preparing for Ambient Intelligence
Applications of AR/VR barely scratch the surface of how 6G could transform the retail industry. Ambient intelligence (Aml) will be at the core of the next phase of retail operations, and 6G will likely be at the heart of its effective implementation.
Whilst 6G is only in the design and research phase, systems are already being designed with Aml in mind. Aml refers to a system that seamlessly embeds AI into daily activities, removing the need for constant engagement. In retail, this is set to be transformative.
Supply chain management is one particular example of this. With Aml in place, production lines could be automatically adjusted based on in-store demand. It would even flag maintenance issues before they arise, ensuring that customers never find their favourite product out of stock.
It will also completely elevate AI-driven personalisation in real time. Whether this is optimising product positioning, automatically adjusting the temperature of displays to accommodate different products or facilitating smooth online and in-app communications, we expect that 6G will aid this remarkable development.
The ultra-fast data transmission supported by 6G connectivity will ensure automatic feedback, creating an efficient, seamless experience tailored to its user and environment; in this case, completely changing the way we view the retail experience.
What the future could hold
6G is a foundation for emerging technologies like AR, VR and ambient intelligence and will facilitate transformative experiences across industries, including retail.
It is destined to impact all facets of the retail industry, whether it is supplying, managing or experiencing the store, changing how all stakeholders view the shopping experience. 2030 and the roll-out of 6G is fast approaching; retailers must be ready to embrace it to stay ahead of competitors and offer customers what they need.
