Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Internet of Things (IoT) and Digital Twins are just a few of the terms associated with the fourth industrial revolution that is happening right before our eyes. A key question managers have been asking recently is: What does the arrival of these new technologies mean for me?

The transition into the next industrial revolution is being determined not only by declining costs of access to technology (e.g., robotization), but also by downward pressure on the unit price of a product and a shortage of workers. Already, for many companies, the margins they make are below expectations. In addition, there is a noticeable decline in the competitiveness of companies that have based their strategy on the manufacturing area alone. However, it is encouraging to see companies developing other elements of the value chain, such as their own R&D departments, which strongly support customers in personalizing their products.

New technologies are entering more and more areas of our lives, and often without even realizing it, we surround ourselves with items that use intelligent algorithms. These include virtual assistants, smart home appliances or recommendation systems that analyze what we like, watch or buy, suggesting further products based on this. This field continues to evolve to discover more and more consumer applications. But can new technologies be used in aerosol product design?

Looking at aerosol innovations and trends, it is clear that they have been unchanged for a few years. The same solutions are duplicated over and over again, and products on store shelves are distinguished only by their shape or graphics. An important element in the development of new products is, of course, the ecological aspect, the use by manufacturers of environmentally friendly materials, PCR materials or the concept of reusable aerosols, which was discussed at recent conferences. There are also products on the market that go beyond this scheme, developed on the basis of new technologies or directly in response to customer needs. In early 2020, L'Oréal unveiled a device called Perso, which, by using artificial intelligence mechanisms, makes it possible to prepare fully personalized cosmetics. Springfield Solutions provides aerosol manufacturers with interactive labels SASO®️, which, supported by augmented reality, inform the consumer, for example, how to use the product or recycle it. Also interesting is the Air for Life device, in which an aerosol provides the user with an independent source of air for survival in emergency situations. This life-saving product was developed by firefighters, proving the applicability of aerosols in entirely new areas. In the face of dynamic changes, designers must pioneer the use of new technologies to create products based on the customer experience.

Similarly, ACTUO - the first one-handed aerosol actuator - was created. The product of Aersol Service Poland, presented at the end of January 2020 at the ADF trade fair in Paris, won the certificate in the Personal Care - Aerosols category. According to the jury, the product stood out for its outstanding ergonomics and functionality. What is the story behind this applicator and what is its innovation? Our goal from the beginning was not to design the next aerosol applicator on the market. It was one idea that was developed in response to customer needs. It all started with work on improving the formula of the shower mousse. During internal application tests, we noticed that the problem with this product was not the formula itself, but the way it was applied. Grabbing and turning the container in the shower when our hands are all lathered up is not easy. So we moved on to generating ideas. Many concepts came up during the brainstorming, but the ACTUO idea seemed the most interesting. We wanted to create an applicator that could be operated with one hand and that would hold the aerosol in a stable, vertical position without special handles. We used 3D printers for prototyping, and the use of augmented and virtual reality allowed us to push the boundaries of the customer's experience, helping us understand the implications of our ideas. The design evolved many times until it finally took its current, most ergonomic and functional form. Importantly, everyone in the company was involved in the design and testing, from production workers and office staff to executives. It turned out that ACTUO could have a much broader application. The lack of need to grasp the container, will ensure cleanliness when using color cosmetics such as coloring mousses or body bronzers, and minimal hand contact with the applicator prevents the possible spread of bacteria and viruses when caring for children or the elderly and disabled.

https://actuo.pl/