Every year, the average mattress manufacturer creates between 1,000 and 2,000 samples of prototype products, the cost of which is about $2,000 per prototype.
At the high end, that comes out to millions of dollars spent each year. This is the challenge that gave AI and 3D product visualization provider Imagine.io a million-dollar idea.
The company’s new mattress configurator, Mattress Builder, takes the time and effort out of building samples, photographing them and generating a commercial asset to sell, according to Imagine.io CEO Preet Singh.
Rather than a consumer mobile app, it is a cloud-based business-to-business and e-commerce ecosystem that connects component suppliers, manufacturers and retailers.
“Many companies don’t have the visualization capabilities to build a mattress configurator, and that’s why we built Mattress Builder to allow manufacturers to design a mattress from scratch. From there they can texture it, visualize it, sell it and then get in their proposals, all within a few minutes, without the need to build a physical mattress.”
The turnaround time is another benefit Singh highlights, saying that companies are able to quote faster than before, and because of this, the conversion rate goes up.
“The customer is now much more comfortable with all of the visuals as opposed to just seeing one photograph or like a line drawing of a design,” Singh added.
Manufacturers can build a mattress from the inside out as well as add, remove and adjust individual layers — such as memory foam, hybrid coil structures, latex and pocket springs — and see the updates instantly.
They can also customize sizes (queen, king, twin XL, etc.), adjust overall thickness for comfort profiles, scale handles, select side tape positioning, apply unique stitching and add custom brand labels.
Mattress Builder also features a centralized library where users can mix and match pre-digitized quilted tops, woven knits, fabrics and textures, or upload their own custom proprietary material swatches.
The company works with well-known brands such as Serta Simmons Bedding, Kingsdown, King Koil, South Bay and several more.
“We’re hoping to spread the message about Mattress Builder and get people interested,” Singh said. “In addition to saving money, this is also a green solution because no one is wasting foam or other materials on samples, or money on transportation. You save the environment when you reduce waste.”
If you’re wondering why configurators like this haven’t been done before, the answer is that they have. The difference is that Singh and his team took the time to create theirs in a different way that shows real ROI and cost savings.
“It’s taken a lot of engineering, algorithm development and visualization to be able to make it happen, but everyone we show it to is blown away by it,” Singh added.
And this technology isn’t just for behind-the-scenes prototypes; Singh says it also translates to a powerful marketing tool by eliminating the need for expensive photography that often takes weeks to be market-ready. Manufacturers can commercialize their product much faster with 3D visualization.
