Artificial intelligence has evolved from simply a buzzword to become a powerful tool for retailers, manufacturers and sales reps. However, its potential in the mattress industry is nowhere close to being reached.
A survey from Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center found that about 50% to 52% of U.S. adults use AI chatbots or large language models (like ChatGPT) on a regular or weekly basis. Even further, 65% said they have had spoken conversations with back-and-forth interactions with LLMs, including 34% who regularly do this at least several times a week.
We learned from speaking with several exhibitors during the Las Vegas Market that there are some companies that don’t use it at all.
But those who think beyond the generic GPT chat bots found a way to use AI either internally for marketing or sales training, or externally in products that help consumers.
Here are just a few of the innovations currently making waves in the market.
1. Ergomotion recently introduced its AI-powered sleep platform Sleep Assist. It previewed the technology in Las Vegas and officially launched the app on Aug. 1. Designed to help consumers better understand and improve their nightly rest, Sleep Assist brings together personalized sleep reports, biometric insights, AI-powered recommendations and controls for compatible Ergomotion smart and adjustable beds. The subscription-free app transforms sleep data into an intuitive experience that helps users identify patterns, understand how their habits affect recovery and make more informed decisions about their sleep routines.
The integrated AI Sleep Assistant allows users to ask questions in plain language and receive personalized, easy-to-understand answers based on their Sleep Report. Users can explore how their sleep compares over time, identify trends and better understand where there may be opportunities for improvement. Initially, Sleep Assist will be compatible with select adjustable smart beds built on Ergomotion’s RIO Eco platform. Gui Peres, Ergomotion’s CEO, said that by using AI to transform biometric and sleep data into personalized, easy-to-understand guidance, Ergomotion is helping people better understand their sleep.
2. Scanfit.ai, an AI pressure mapping system created by industry veteran Kevin Kappenman. Traditional pressure mapping is entirely dependent on the surface under the pressure sensors and cannot accurately portray three-dimensional features such as spinal topography.
The Scanfit process works by scanning a person standing in two positions, which it calls Active Tracking Pose Detection. Then it takes high-resolution silhouettes of the person and transmits all of this data through the cloud to create a 3D avatar. By using standing 3D avatars, Scanfit.ai can fully extract surface pressures, spinal topography and other important landmarks and ratios for selecting mattresses without the limitations of traditional pressure mapping.
The tech runs off of an iPad and the processing time has been shortened from three minutes initially to now 30-45 seconds. Kappenmen said the technology has gone through several updates and is getting ready to announce big news about a launch partner.
3. Kingsdown and Puffy are both using AI apps to help train retail sales associates on their products and offer resources to use during a sale.
Kingsdown’s CrAIg is a sales training RSAi app created for retail sales associates featuring an AI-powered version of Craig Wilson, Kingsdown’s vice president of sales, training and education. The app allows retail salespeople to request and receive helpful information generated by AI. It’s the first of many AI marketing support tools to come that the company is planning to create under Kingsdown RSAi.
What makes this tool useful for Kingsdown sales is that instead of having a program like ChatGPT pulling information from all corners of the internet, Kingsdown built a custom GPT that they can plug information into in a controlled environment.
Puffy uses AI with its AI Sales Training app that asks sales reps what they are looking for information on and how to master a product pitch. If a salesperson wants information on mastering a product pitch, they can ask for the product name and brand, then the app lays out potential key selling points, the ideal customer profile and key differentiators for the mattress of your choice.
It also features the Lost Sales Lab, where RSAs can discuss a missed sale with the AI chatbot, ooBlue, and find out what they could have done better. The Lost Sales Lab looks at each part of the sale, from the attitude of the customer to size, price and brand of mattress that the RSA showed the customer.
