The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) and Microsoft Corp. have announced the creation of an AI Innovation Lab as part of their ongoing relationship. By generative AI, ELC is seeking to create closer consumer connections, increase speed to market, and enhance local relevance across its business operations.
One of the key focus areas of the AI Innovation Lab is to enable ELC's brands to respond more quickly to social trends and consumer demands. The companies have successfully developed an internal-facing generative AI chatbot. This tool utilises conversational AI technology to efficiently navigate ELC's extensive database of product and claim data, allowing brands to launch locally relevant campaigns more rapidly.
Product development is also on the cards for a makeover. ELC's scientists and product development specialists are hoping to respond quickly to emerging product and ingredient trends.
This long term partnership has already yielded innovation, such as the 2023 launch of the Voice-Enabled Makeup Assistant, a mobile app designed to assist visually impaired users in applying makeup with confidence.