Oxford University Spinout Develops Innovative Body Scanner for Clothing Measurements

An innovative technology firm originating from Oxford University has created a cutting-edge AI tool that accurately scans users’ bodies for precise clothing measurements. This invention aims to enhance the online shopping experience while significantly reducing return rates for UK retailers, potentially saving them billions.

Founded in 2019 by Duncan McKay and Phil Torr, the company has received notable funding, including two grants from Innovate UK and a Future Fashion Factory Grant in collaboration with the University of Leeds, amounting to roughly £1.2 million. McKay, who has extensive experience in product development at companies like L’Oreal and Unilever, expressed his passion for innovation and solving common problems. Together with Torr, they recognized the need for a technological solution to the issue of ill-fitting clothes, leading to the establishment of Aistetic.

Aistetic offers a low-code solution that easily integrates into retailers’ websites via a simple JavaScript snippet, making it compatible with platforms such as WordPress and Shopify. This tool allows consumers to choose a garment and scan their body using AI technology, providing accurate measurements and sizing specific to each retailer in under three minutes. McKay emphasized that this innovation could reduce return rates by as much as 30%, which can lead to significant savings for retailers.

According to McKay, users can obtain their measurements with a remarkable 98% accuracy simply by recording themselves with their device while turning in front of the camera for about 10 seconds. The firm aims to empower individuals with their body data, enabling more informed purchasing decisions. The next phase includes developing a no-code solution for Shopify users, streamlining access to their innovative technology.

The substantial return rates not only impact retailers’ profits but also pose a serious environmental concern—contributing significantly to the pollution generated by the fashion industry, which is estimated to account for 10% of global carbon emissions. McKay highlighted that returning garments can produce up to 4.2 kg of carbon emissions, mainly when items are returned to stores. The company believes that their user-friendly technology promotes a more responsible approach to fashion consumption.

For those interested in exploring AI and big data insights from industry experts, the AI & Big Data Expo is set to take place in Amsterdam, California, and London. Additional enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge can be found to stay informed about the latest advancements.

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