From smart mirrors that allow customers to make in-store purchases to autonomous customer service robots, it is clear that new technology is dramatically altering the face of retail.
On the one hand, smart technology is making it easier than ever for consumers to pay for their purchases in stores. For example, the new retail mirrors from Oak Labs allow customers to make instant purchases via Apple Pay or Android Pay simply by waving their phone.
On the other hand, the March 2017 tech trends reveal that technology is also being used to improve the overall in-store experience. For instance, the home improvement brand Lowe's has created its very own LoweBot to help shoppers navigate the store, find specific items and answer other basic questions. A very different use of retail technology is exemplified by the new WAH London flagship, which includes a VR area where customers can test out different nail art designs and customize their color.
Top 100 Tech Ideas in March
From Transactional Smart Mirrors to Autonomous Retail Robots:
Katherine Pendrill — Apr 1, 2017 — Tech
99
Professional PC Gaming Desks
The BenQ ZONE eSports Game Desk is for Hardcore Gamers
98
Floating Magnetic Timepieces
The Flyte Story Uses Magnetic Levitation to Depict Time
97
Educational Aquatic Boats
The 'Aeon Explorer' Surface Vessel Offers Stunning Views Below the Waves
96
Flying Rideshare Drones
The 'Sky2Go' Passenger Drones Avoid Traffic and Cut Commute Times
95
Soap-Free Dishwashers
The 'Vapure' Steam Washer Cleans Dishes with Steam Instead of Water and Soap
94
Health-Focused IOT Desks
This Office Work Desk Lets You Know When to Sit and When to Stand
93
Virtual Reality Nail Salons
WAH London's New Flagship Incorporates Tech into Its Business Model
92
Transactional Smart Mirrors
Oak Labs' Retail Mirrors Can Be Used to View and Pay for Products
91
Detachable Wallet Smartphone Covers
The Tech21 Evo Wallet Active Edition for iPhone 7 is Ergonomic
90
Ergonomic Gaming Chairs
'Buddy the Game Chair' Puts a Player in the Optimal Sitting Position
89
3-in-1 Portable Workstations
The 'SatchelBord' Quickly Transforms from a Bag Into a Chair or Desk
88
At-Home Vacuum Forming Machines
The 'Vaquform' is a Compact Option That's Affordably Priced
87
Speedy Low-Voltage Supercars
The Quant '48Volt' Electric Sport Car Has a Top Speed of 300 km/h
86
Unisex Laptop Handbags
This Laptop Bag Carries a MacBook Pro in a Fashionable Manner
85
Printed Solar Cells
Solafast and Norwood are Teaming Up to Print Solar Inks on to Plastic Film
84
Smart Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
The 'Litter-Robot III' Litter Box Cleans Itself After Every Use
83
Mechanical Typewriter PC Keyboards
The Adesso AKB-636 Keyboard is Inspired by Typewriter Keyboards
82
Automated Meal Appliances
The 'Tree of Life' Refrigerator Cooker Prepares Whatever Meal You Desire
81
High-Tech Roller Skates
The Volkswagen Roller Urban Mobility Device Increases Movement
80
Augmented Reality Gym Classes
The SAGA Interactive Gym is Being Used in Quebec Schools
79
Location-Tracking Child Wearables
The 'Jiobit' Bluetooth GPS Tracker Keeps an Eye on Location
78
NFC-Compatible Smartphone Cases
The Native Union 'CLIC' Card Leather Wallet Case is Compact
77
Multi-Terrain Drone Toys
The Rover Land and Sea Amphibious RC Car is Ruggedly Designed
76
Tough Ladder Stabilizers
The LadderAnchor Keeps People Safe When Climbing Ladders Alone
75
Cardboard Delivery Drones
DARPA's ASPARA Systems Make One-Way Trips
74
Alternative Smartphone Earbuds
The BeatsX Earphones are Another Option for the New iPhone 7
73
VR Language-Learning Apps
Mondly Uses Immersion to Teach Users New Languages
72
Charging Photography Smartphone Cases
The 'Moment' Battery Photo Case is for the iPhone 7
71
Illuminating Concert Wearables
The Hurdl Pixl Turns Concert Crowds into Their Own Light Show
70
VR Supercar Systems
This Mercedes Driving Simulation Puts Users Behind the Wheel of a Race Car
69
AR Aquarium Toys
Pai Technology's 'Ocean Pets' is a Unique Virtual Aquarium for Kids
68
VR Driverless Race Cars
The Volkswagen 300 Concept Race Car is Controlled via a VR Headset
67
Digital Kinetic Artwork Clocks
The 'Tempus' Digital LED Clock Has an Artistic and Useful Design
66
Wireless Induction Cooktops
The 'B’CHEF' Induction Hot Plate Allows for Movement During Cooking
65
Alarm Clock Rugs
'Ruggie' Requires People to Get Out of Bed to Turn Its Loud Sounds Off
64
Eyewear-Printing Systems
'Yuniku' Introduces a System for Creating Customized Eyewear Frames
63
Battery-Free Solar Chargers
The 'PocketPower' Solar Device Charger is Ready for Use Anywhere
62
Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
SunCommon's New Solar Canopy is Both Functional and Beautiful
61
PC Screen Smartphone Mounts
The Smartphone Tablet Monitor Attachment Mount Increases Efficiency
60
Visual Assistance Wearables
The 'Nomad' Wearable Technology Device Guides the Visually Impaired
59
Temperature-Controlled Mattresses
The CoolControl Mattress Offers Dual-Sided Heat Controls
58
Traceable Artwork Projectors
The 'FollowGrams' Trace and Draw Projector Helps Kids with Art Skills
57
VR Shaving Simulators
Gillette's In-Store Experience Takes People on a VR Roller Coaster Ride
56
Lyric-Transmitting Beer Cups
The Brahma Valley Music Festival Featured Helpful 'Copokê' Glasses
55
Autonomous Retail Robots
Lowe's 'LoweBot' is an Automated Retail Service Tool
54
Chic Wearable Gadget Headphones
The Ashley Chloe 'HELIX CUFF' is Worn on the Wrist When Not Used
53
Navigational Shoe Inserts
These Lechal Vibrating Navigation Shoes Insoles Offer Haptic Feedback
52
Artificially Intelligent Fashion Photographers
StyleShoots Live is a Robotic Camera System
51
Flexible On-Demand Food Apps
foodora Has Launched a Pick-Up Service to Better Serve Canadians
50
Connected Lighting Controls
The 'Brilliant' Smart Home Control Switch Offers Innovative Features
49
Coffee-Based Construction Materials
Scientists are Now Using Spent Coffee Grounds to Make Cement
48
Discreet Organizational Cable Boxes
The YAMAZAKI Web Cable Boxes Hide Cables in Plain Sight
47
Connected Travel Luggage
The 'Ready' Smart Carry-On Baggage Has a Scale, Charger and More
46
Conceptual Screenless Smartphones
'Alo' is a Future Smartphone Concept Has a Vocalized Interface
45
Organizing Device Card Wallets
The 'CardGear' Organizer Wallet Stores microSD and SIM Cards
44
Line-Free Amusement Parks
The TapuTapu Wearable Will Make Universal's Volcano Bay More Efficient
43
Danger-Detecting Dash Cams
The 'Dride' Auto Dash Cam Records Drives and Warns of Problems
42
Aesthetically Modern Technology Products
These Harmon Kardon Devices are Useful and Stylish
41
Smartphone Walkie Talkie Attachments
The 'LINC' Smartphone Walkie Talkie Radios Offer a Backup
40
Understated Solar Roofing
BIPVCo's Solar Roofing is Designed to Look Sleek and Sophisticated
39
360-Degree Helmet Cameras
The 'Real720Helmet' Helmet Cam is Omnidirectional to Capture Everything
38
Compact Leather Cord Carriers
The Kiko Leather Cord Wraps Deter Tangles and Prevent Damage
37
Escape Tool Car Chargers
The Ztylus Stinger Car Charger Adapter Breaks Windows and Cuts Seat Belts
36
AI-Designed Dresses
'Coded Couture' by Ivyrevel Incorporates Data Analysis to Tailor Dresses
35
Visually Impaired Door Handles
The Swing Door Lock is Turned to Unlock for Easier Utilization
34
Vision-Restoring Visors
The eSight 3 Improves Vision for the Legally Blind
33
Premium Luxury Hair Dryers
This Professional Hair Dryer is Inspired by High-End Technology Design
32
Origami-Inspired Space Radiators
This Shape-Shifting Radiator Design Uses Folded Paper Techniques
31
Photorealistic Face Editors
FaceApp Uses Neural Networks to Adjust Facial Expressions in Images
30
Multipurpose Amusement Park Wearables
Disney MagicBands Let Guests Travel with Less
29
Hexacopter Videography Drones
The Ehang 'Skyway' Hexacopter Drone Offers Enhanced Maneuverability
28
Circuit-Protected Power Bars
The iClever 'BoostStrip' Surge Protector Power Strip is Efficient
27
Consumer Robotic Arms
The uArm Swift has a Simple, Programmable Interface
26
Inexpensive Open-Source Laptops
The Olimex 'Teres I' Laptop Kit is an Affordable DIY System
25
Modular Heating Devices
The 'HEAT-O' Wearable Heating Systems Provides Soothing Heat in the Winter
24
Phone-Charging Bracelets
Rebecca Minkoff's Lightning Cable Bracelet is a Stylish Portable Charger
23
Healthy Smartphone-Connected Fryers
The Gourmia WiFi Air Fryers Cook a Variety of Different Dishes
22
Charging Controller Earphones Cases
The 'AK G-12' Case Charges Earbuds and Controls Playback
21
Social Building Toy Apps
The LEGO Life App Offers Projects, Customization and More
20
Versatile 3D Printing Devices
The FLUX Delta+ Offers a Host of Features
19
Directional Smart Lights
The Orb by Shade Gives Consumers Unprecedented Control Over Lighting
18
Ultraviolet Smartphone Cameras
The Nurugo SmartUV Camera Shows Light in the Ultraviolet Spectrum
17
Inexpensive Smart Device Trackers
The 'Xupo' Advanced Smart Tracker Helps Users Find Lost Items
16
VR Civil War Films
PBS 'My Brother's Keeper' Brings New Techniques to Virtual Reality Filmmaking
15
Retractable Prong Plugs
The 'Safeplug' Plug Cord Design is Quick and Safe to Remote from Sockets
14
Multicolor Marble Headphones
The Casetify Marble Earbuds with Microphone are Noise-Cancelling
13
High-End Natural Sound Speakers
The Totaldac d150 Loudspeaker Design is Modern and Efficient
12
Tough LED Torches
The SLUGHAUS Bullet 02 is Billed as the World's Smallest Flashlight
11
Protective Extension Cords
The 'Rolling Snake G1' Extension Cable Reel Stores and Protects Cables
10
Collapsible Folding Drones
The 'DRNE' Mini Quadcopter Drone Features a Folding Aesthetic
9
Ultra-Curated Fashion Stores
'Reformation' Uses Automation for a Custom Shopping Experience
8
Free-Range Presentation Remotes
The Logitech 'Spotlight' Simplifies the Presentation Process
7
Smartphone Quick Charge Cubes
This iPhone Charge USB Cable Optimizes Charging Capabilities
6
Analog Viewfinder Cameras
The 'LUCID' Point-and-Shoot Digital Camera is Simplistic
5
PC Gamer Lap Desks
The 'Hover X' Ultimate Gamer's Lap Desk is Extremely Functional
4
Illusionary Minimalist Record Players
The Miniot 'Wheel' Vinyl Record Player Has a Chic Aesthetic
3
Designer Home Dehumidifiers
The Braun 'A-Fresh' Dehumidifier Can be Wall-Mounted or Laid Flat
2
Affordable Electric Skateboards
The 'NUFF' Electric Motor Skateboard is for Beginners or Experts
1
Three-in-One Photography Mounts
The 'PicaPod' Camera Tripod Mount is Also a Gimbal and a Mic Mount
Related Ideas
Wearable Privacy Pods
The Sharkman is a Wearable Piece of Furniture for People Looking for Privacy
90s Film-Inspired Fashion
The New Collection from Kirsh Features Looks from Clueless and More
Flying Rideshare Drones
The 'Sky2Go' Passenger Drones Avoid Traffic and Cut Commute Times
Suitcase Desk Attachments
The 'SMARTOO' Foldable Desk Transforms a Carry-On to a Desk
Health-Focused IOT Desks
This Office Work Desk Lets You Know When to Sit and When to Stand
Family Breakfast Makers
Nostalgia Electrics 3-in-1 Breakfast Stations Cook Meals for the Family
Virtual Reality Nail Salons
WAH London's New Flagship Incorporates Tech into Its Business Model
Honeycomb Windshield Supercars
The Alfa Romeo C18 Car Concept is Aerodynamically Stunning
3-in-1 Portable Workstations
The 'SatchelBord' Quickly Transforms from a Bag Into a Chair or Desk
Anti-Radiowave Hanging Seats
The 'Ibis' Hanging Chair is Made with Volcanic Rock and Natural Resin
High-Tech Roller Skates
The Volkswagen Roller Urban Mobility Device Increases Movement
No-Tech Coding Toys
The 'Let's Go Code! Activity Set' for Kids Teaches Programming Without Tech
Inclusive Fashion Runways
Christian Siriano's Fall Ready-to-Wear Fashion Celebrates Diversity
Location-Tracking Child Wearables
The 'Jiobit' Bluetooth GPS Tracker Keeps an Eye on Location
Flatpack 3D Lamps
The Aura LED Table Desk Lamp Creates the Illusion of a Traditional Lamp
Multi-Terrain Drone Toys
The Rover Land and Sea Amphibious RC Car is Ruggedly Designed
STEM Playground Toys
Learning Resources' Building Playset Focuses on Engineering and Design
Alternative Smartphone Earbuds
The BeatsX Earphones are Another Option for the New iPhone 7
VR Language-Learning Apps
Mondly Uses Immersion to Teach Users New Languages
Charging Photography Smartphone Cases
The 'Moment' Battery Photo Case is for the iPhone 7
Bent Tubular Chairs
The Big-Game Bold Tube Chair Has a Surreal Aesthetic
VR Driverless Race Cars
The Volkswagen 300 Concept Race Car is Controlled via a VR Headset
Eyewear-Printing Systems
'Yuniku' Introduces a System for Creating Customized Eyewear Frames
Visual Assistance Wearables
The 'Nomad' Wearable Technology Device Guides the Visually Impaired
Environment-Reacting VR Headsets
The 'VAR' Glasses Headset Merges VR and AR Technologies
Stylish Holographic Skateboards
Nick Thomm Has Designed a Creative, Artistic Skateboard
Architecture-Preserving Solar Tiles
ZEP's Sun Roof Tiles are Appropriate for Historical Buildings
Miniature Bowling Games
Brando Workshop's 'Mini Wooden Desktop Bowling Game' is a Fun Distraction
Old Smartphone Photography Toys
'Pixlplay' Turns an Old Smartphone into a Kids Camera
Understated Solar Roofing
BIPVCo's Solar Roofing is Designed to Look Sleek and Sophisticated
Indoor Asphalt Chairs
XYZ Integrated Architecture's Chairs are Made from Construction Materials
360-Degree Helmet Cameras
The 'Real720Helmet' Helmet Cam is Omnidirectional to Capture Everything
Musical Flying Disks
The Disc Jock-e is an Outdoor Toy That Boasts Bluetooth Connectivity
Visually Impaired Door Handles
The Swing Door Lock is Turned to Unlock for Easier Utilization
Touch-Activated Art Speakers
The Soundwall Nova Speaker is Disguised as a Work of Art
Slash-Proof Duffle Bags
The 'Pacsafe' Anti-Theft Duffle Luggage Bag Ensures Safety When Travelling
Smart Voice Assistant Wearables
The 'TOKK' Wearable Assistant Device Takes Calls and Much More
Cartoon Friendship Toys
TOMY's Molang Toys Teach Respect, Happiness and Solidarity
Nature Photography Drones
The 'Onyx' Natural Photography Drone Tracks Wildlife without Disturbance
Hexacopter Videography Drones
The Ehang 'Skyway' Hexacopter Drone Offers Enhanced Maneuverability
Circuit-Protected Power Bars
The iClever 'BoostStrip' Surge Protector Power Strip is Efficient
Utility-Scale Solar Batteries
The JLM Phazr Battery Reduces Costs and Increases Efficiency
Transgender Doll Toys
The Tonner Doll Company's 'Jazz' Doll is Based Off of Jazz Jennings
Charging Controller Earphones Cases
The 'AK G-12' Case Charges Earbuds and Controls Playback
Candid Polaroid Editorials
The Ones 2 Watch 'Lean Into It' Series Highlights Casual Apparel
Biodegradable Coffee Pods
CRU Kafe Offers Guilt-Free, Nespresso-Compatible Single-Serving Pods
Digitized Fashion Retailers
The Raymond Shop Uses Technology to Appeal to Millennial Consumers
Double-Sided Cooking Pans
The Happycall Nonstick Double Pan Expedites Even Cooking Capabilities
Gamer Soundbar Speakers
The Creative 'Sound BlasterX Katana' Computer Speakers are Immersive
Artistic Solar Rest Areas
The 'Solar Pines' Rest Areas Generate Power and Offer Public Seating
Roof-Integrated Solar Panels
The GAF DecoTech System is Integrated Directly into a Home's Roof
Customizable HD Action Cameras
The 'Foxshot' Mini Camera Can be Stuck Virtually Anywhere
AR Coding Robots
Pai Technology's 'PaiGO' is a Bot That Teaches Programming for Children
Toy Sci-Fi Helmets
The Black Series Poe Dameron Helmet is a Piece of Star Wars Merchandise
Mobile Self-Payment Systems
Rebecca Minkoff's Self-Checkout Solution is Powered by QueueHop
Fairy Tale Rose Speakers
The Enchanted Rose Bluetooth Speaker is an Official Disney Product
Portable Robotic Assistants
The 'PLEN Cube' Personal Assistant Robot is Multifunctional
Transitioning Seat Designs
The 'Wa' Rest Seat Accommodates Eastern and Western Traditions
Lightweight Solar-Powered Shingles
The SunTegra Solar Shingles are Designed for Easy Installation
3D-Printed Pendant Lights
CW&T is Creating 100 3D-Printed Unique Pendant Light Designs
Removable Wall Clock Timers
The 'Sync' Kitchen Timer Clock Works as Multiple Different Devices
Skateboard Motion Trackers
The 'RideBlock' Records Real-Time Data for Tricks and Rides
Family-Friendly 3D Printers
The 'Makness' Home 3D Printer is Usable by the Whole Family
AR Rainforest Exhibitions
The ArtScience Museum's 'Into the Wild' Features Tech from Google
Emotion-Detecting Wearables
This Wearable AI System Picks Up on Tone in Conversation
Groundbreaking Solar Panel Roads
France Has Built the World's First Solar-Powered Road
Noise-Blocking Earbuds
The Pioneer Rayz Plus Lightning Headphones Have HearThru Technology
Rugged Solar-Powered Speakers
The MacroBoom Speaker is Designed for Outdoor Use
Amateur Animation Toys
The Stickbot Zanimation Studio Includes a Green Screen for Movie-Making
Coffee-Dyed T-Shirts
'Coffee Printed' Uses Spent Coffee Grounds to Dye Graphic Tees
Virtually Queueing Wearables
The Accesso Prism Offers an Integrated Smart Park System
Friendsmas Shopping Sprees
The Jack Wills Friendsmas Sweepstakes Offers a Friendsmas Feast
Sleep-Enhancing Air Purifiers
The 'CLAIR-S' Enables Better Sleep Through Air Quality and Sound
Upscale Menswear Boutiques
The Cadini in Pune India Feature Luxurious, Yet Modern Touches
Heatable Plush Toys
The Microwaveable Heat Therapy Stuffed Animals Offer Soothing Warmth
Ultra-Lightweight Solar Panels
MiaSolé's New Solar Panels are Thin, Flexible and Lightweight
Foam Dart Target Alarms
This Arduino Nerf Target Wall Alarm Clock Requires a Shot to be Silenced
Pedestrian-Powered Street Lights
These Solar Street Lights Are Placed in Tourist-Filled Las Vegas
Ceramic Bow Speaker Systems
The KEAS MOV-1 Ceramic Audio Speaker System Offers Impeccable Sound
Secure Action Cam Cases
The 'Artemis' Rugged Case for GoPro Protects from Drops and Damage
Armband Action Camera Mounts
The 'RearViz' Universal Camera Mount is Comfortable and Breathable
Live VR Football Highlights
Fox Sports VR Replays for Super Bowl LI will be in Real Time
Scroll-Inspired Speakers
The Owlee Scroll Vintage Bluetooth Music Speaker is Stylishly Retro
Eco Solar Water Purifiers
The 'Aguasolar' Portable Water Purifiers Use the Power of the Sun
Goal-Oriented Yearly Planners
The 'SuperYR' Dry Erase Calendar Helps Users Strategize Plans
Dramatic Subterranean Boutiques
The Heritage Store in New Delhi Combines Fashion and Tradition
VR Movie Theaters
The IMAX VR Center Recently Opened in Los Angeles
Hydration-Tracking Wearables
Researchers are Developing a Tiny Bluetooth Hydration Tracker
Online VR PC Networks
The 'VRLD' Online VR Platform Offers Intuitive Experiences for Users
Voice-Controlled Solar Speakers
LEMON's California Roll Speaker is High-Tech and Eco-Friendly
Mobile Safety Wearables
The 'HelpyHero' Personal Safety Device Records Footage and Requests Help
Secure Workout Headphones
The Denon AH-C160W Headphones are Designed for Sports and Activities
High-End Lambskin Headphones
The B&O Play Beoplay H4 Mobile Headphones Offer 19-Hours of Playback
Affordable Desktop 3D Printers
The 'Indie' Precision 3D Printer is Reliable and Versatile
Music Interface Speaker Systems
The 'Waterspeaker' Music Stereo Works Independently
Cardboard Cactus Air Purifiers
CactusNext is a Set of Technoligical Corrugated Cardboard Flora
AR Love Messages
The 'Free the Love' App Shares Augmented Reality Balloon Letter Messages
Powerful Dual-Camera Smartphones
The Huawei P10 HD Smartphone will Feature Ample RAM
VR Portal Attractions
Doraemon Fans Can Now Step Through the Character's 'Anywhere Door'
Solar Advertising Bus Shelters
Many Edmonton Bus Shelters are Going Off the Grid
Mindful Wake-Up Apps
The 'Yoga Wake Up' App is a Gentle Alarm Clock Replacement
Linguistic Tutor Bots
Casio's 'Lesson Pod' Robot Improves One's Grasp of the English Language
Laptop Power Usage Dongles
The Satechi USB-C Power Meter Tester Displays Energy Usage
Charging Smartphone Stabilizers
'Fancy' is the World's Smallest Phone Stabilizer and Power Bank
Athletic Mascara Marketing
Eyeko's Waterproof Eye Makeup is Branded as a "Sport" Mascara
Elegant Portable Entertainment Speakers
The Vifa 'Oslo' Rechargeable Portable Speaker is Stylish
Quick Charge Smartphone Batteries
The 'NitroQ' Charging Pack Recharges in Seven-Minutes Flat
Multi-Purpose Digital Hubs
The LYNQ Hub Combines Six Different Features into One Device
Virtual Socialization Apps
vTime Lets Users Meet Up with Each Other in Any Virtual Environment
Gooey Pool Powders
Gelli Baff's Pool Toy Turns Water into a Thick, Colored Goo
VR Flying Installations
The 'Hypersuit' Puts People in Position to Experience a VR Flight
Award-Nominated VR Films
Google's Virtual Reality 'Pearl' Video May Win an Academy Award
Sustainable Metal Roofing Solutions
The Forward Roofing System is Fully Integrated into the Roof
Drone-Docking Devices
DARPA's Project SideArm is a Portable Military Drone Launch and Capture Dock
VR Rock Concert Games
Rock Band VR is Coming to the Oculus Rift
Canine Mascot Drones
Yukimaru is a Flying Town Mascot for the City of Oji, Japan