It may sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but supermarket shoppers could soon be greeted and assisted by holograms.

Following successful trials, technology company Tensator is hoping to interest the supermarkets in its holographic assistants.

The technology offered huge potential for retailers to push tailored promotions, said Tensator media product development manager Ajay Joshi.

"Imagine Jamie Oliver in a Sainsbury's uniform promoting a new range of sausages," he said.

Intelligent technology would be able to scan a customer's Clubcard in their pocket, he added. "The customer would then walk past a virtual assistant on entering the store, be greeted by name and told that his or her favourite bar of chocolate or bottle of Champagne was on special offer. You can immediately see the potential for supermarkets right there."

Tensator refused to confirm which supermarkets had shown interest.

"There are meetings in the pipeline, so watch this space," said Joshi. "This technology will grow and we are keen to realise the potential for the supermarket arena."

The virtual assistants had proved popular during trials at Luton airport, he added.

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