AI Feasibility Study: Employee Navigation Training Using 3D Store Mapping

The Problem

New employees in large retail stores often need several days to learn store layout and product locations. Training relies heavily on shadowing experienced staff or memorizing static maps, which slows onboarding and reduces productivity. We explored whether AI could be used to help employees understand store layout faster, before stepping onto the floor.

The Solution

In this feasibility study, we used a 3D model of a grocery store and extracted images from known positions within the space. Using optical character recognition (OCR), we identified product labels directly from shelf images and mapped them to precise 3D coordinates. By combining 3D spatial data with AI-based visual analysis, we created a system that knows where each product is located inside the store.

This allows an employee to enter a product name and instantly see its location, along with clear, GPS-style navigation paths through the store.

The Result

The result is an interactive training tool that allows employees to study store layout virtually, explore product locations, and practice navigation before starting live work. Trainees can visually understand how the store is organized and how to move efficiently between sections. This approach demonstrates how AI-assisted indoor navigation can significantly improve onboarding speed and confidence without disrupting daily store operations.

Live Demo

Click below to explore the interactive 3D store navigation demo.