# AI-Based Conversational Product Interfaces 3M Debuts Ask 3M & Expands the 3M Digital Materials Hub By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-12-30 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ask-3m References: [news.3m](https://news.3m.com/2025-12-29-3M-to-debut-AI-powered-assistant-Ask-3M-and-expanded-3M-Digital-Materials-Hub-at-CES-2026)  3M has announced it will present two new digital tools — Ask 3M and an expanded 3M Digital Materials Hub — at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Both innovations are centered on applying artificial intelligence and simulation to material selection and design. Ask 3M is an [AI-based conversational interface](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ask-pinterest) intended to help users navigate the company's extensive catalog of bonding products by responding to queries about specific project parameters. The expanded 3M Digital Materials Hub, on the other hand, is an enhancement to an existing online platform that incorporates [digital models of material properties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/material-list-builder). As part of the revamp, the company has introduced feature allowing for [collaborative consultation with company specialists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Conversational-Workspace-AI) and the theoretical modeling of custom materials not currently in physical production. Image Credit: 3M ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 60% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **AI-driven Product Navigation:** An emerging trend focusing on AI-powered tools allows customers to easily search and find products tailored to their specific needs, showcasing the potential of conversational interfaces to streamline complex product catalogs. - **Digital Material Modeling:** The integration of digital models in material selection highlights a trend towards virtual simulations that enable more accurate and innovative design processes, bridging the gap between theoretical and practical applications. - **Collaborative Online Platforms:** A shift towards platforms that support real-time collaboration emphasizes a growing demand for digital spaces where professionals can interact and innovate together, enhancing the speed and effectiveness of product development. ### Where This Applies - **Artificial Intelligence:** The AI industry is poised for growth as businesses increasingly look to leverage intelligent systems to enhance user experiences and improve decision-making processes across various applications. - **Material Science:** Advancements in digital modeling within material science offer new opportunities for innovation by allowing researchers and developers to experiment with and create synthetic materials before physical production. - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics sector continues to embrace AI and digital tools, driving a surge in interactive technologies that personalize and optimize consumer interactions with products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ai-Powered Sales Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-sales-platform.md) - [AI-Powered 3D Avatars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avatai.md) - [AI-Powered Shopping Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-powered-shopping-companions.md) - [GenAI Product Photos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-ai-digital-twin.md) - [Personalized Home Shopping Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interior-design-shopping-app.md) - [AI Product Design Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcade-maia.md) - [Industry-Advancing AI-Powered Innovation Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-innovation-tool.md) - [AI-Powered Apparel Manufacturing Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-apparel-manufacturing.md) - [AI-Powered Phone Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-phone-assistant.md)