Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has bought a body-scanning startup for an undisclosed sum.
Amazon has reportedly bought Body Labs. The Startup focuses on creating 3D models that accurately mimic the body of a person that is scanned. It’s unknown how much the company paid for the startup. One source claims it was roughly $100 million and another says it was closer to $70 million.
Amazon is refusing to comment on the matter, but Body Labs has confirmed the acquisition on its website. It’s still unknown exactly what the online retailer is planning for Body Labs. However, the startup may help it sell goods to customers.
Body Labs has shown that its technology is capable of placing outfits on the 3D models that it creates. This could mean that Amazon will integrate this into its retail platform so customers can get a better idea how they would look in certain clothes.
Body Labs’ tech also has potential for creating video game avatars. Amazon may not be known for its gaming efforts, but it does own Double Helix Games and Twitch. It’s also possible that the 3D models could have a use in a VR game, reports Tech Crunch.
The recent acquisition of Body Labs by Amazon is one of the smaller deals that it has made in 2017. Earlier this year, the online retailer bought grocery retailer Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. It’s also much more clear what AMZN is planning for Whole Foods than with Body Labs.
AMZN stock is up slightly as of noon Wednesday.
As of this writing, William White did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
