Getting in Touch with 3M

3M, the company long known for its Post-its and other adhesives (how many times have you used Scotch tape this week?), made its SXSW Interactive debut this year highlighting some of their more innovative products.

Glenn Carter, Manager of Innovation Communications, walked us through a few of their technologies they were featuring this year including a virtual life-size greeter, a touchscreen vending machine with 3M touchscreen technologies filled with 3M products and a touchscreen table with a variety of games. As you can tell, they wanted visitors to touch the products!

The life-size greeter is one of the most arresting products they have. She stands about 5'5" and when you come near, she'll actually greet you with niceties. She'll even ask you how your day is going!

Carter said the possibilities with this type of technology are endless. The greeter comes in many different sizes-she could be 20 feet tall or 8 inches small, tucked away in a retail store assisting shoppers.

A touchscreen table featuring an array of games, demonstrated their touchscreen technologies in more of a fun way.  This one contained an array of games including an air hockey like game that I could never seem to win at. It's installations like these that allow 3M to try out their products in the field to get real-world feedback and may see more practical uses in future products.

In the corner of the installation, a touchscreen vending machine stocked with consumer 3M products grabbed my attention. The touchscreen allows viewers to gain more information about the products and videos to help the consumer make their purchase.

Carter felt that this was the right time for 3M to have a presence at SXSW Interactive. Though they're most known for their beloved adhesives, they're a brand with a lot of innovation and technology to offer, and hope to reach out to a new class of consumers.

Keywords: sxsw 2012