TCS unveils ‘Perceptive’ virtual trial tech to solve retail’s Fit crisis
https://www.dfupublications.com/index.php/component/search/?searchword=tata&ordering=newest&searchphrase=all&limit=2019 February 2026, Mumbai
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, global IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) introduced an advanced virtual trial solution, signaling a major shift toward what it terms ‘Perceptive Retail.’ This AI-driven innovation targets a critical friction point in the $100 billion Indian fashion market: the logistical and hygienic limitations of physical fitting rooms.
Bridging the accuracy gap with computer vision
The platform utilizes high-fidelity computer vision and 3D rendering to eliminate the ‘overlay’ effect seen in earlier iterations of virtual mirrors. By capturing real-time measurements with user consent, the system maps garments onto a digital twin that mimics the customer's body structure and movement. Unlike static previews, the technology simulates the ‘fit and fall’ of fabric as a user turns or walks, providing a realistic 360-degree view. This development aligns with data showing the global virtual fitting room market is set to reach $8.27 billion in 2026, driven by a desperate need to curb the 30per cent-40 per cent return rates that currently plague apparel e-commerce.
Scaling ‘Intelligent’ storefronts
Beyond the visual experience, the TCS solution integrates automated styling agents that suggest outfits based on skin tone, body shape, and even cultural motifs. For retailers, this represents a transition from a transactional model to a storytelling platform. We are moving from ad-hoc chatbots to pervasive intelligence embedded across the value chain, stated Cheenttan Vora, Global Head - Retail Consulting, TCS. By digitizing the trial process, brands can unlock ‘perceptive’ data - tracking which items are ‘tried on’ but not purchased - to refine inventory allocation and reduce markdown losses in an increasingly volatile global supply chain. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is a global leader in IT services, specializing in digital transformation for the retail and CPG sectors. Its ‘Perceptive Retail’ initiative focuses on integrating agentic AI and computer vision to enhance omnichannel customer journeys. With operations in 55 countries, TCS aims to scale this virtual trial technology across Europe and North America by late 2026 to drive operational efficiency and ethical circularity.
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