What happens when you combine decentralised spatial computing, AR, AI, and an inclusive-first mindset? You get a navigation solution that doesn’t just tell you where to go; it understands how to get there.
We’re proud to share that Zappar has joined forces with Auki Labs to supercharge Gotu, their AR navigation platform, with Accessible QR (AQR) codes and App Clips. The result is a frictionless, app-free navigation experience that works for everyone, including those who are blind or have low vision, while providing powerful tools for retailers and their AI systems in the background.
Cracking the code on indoor navigation
Let’s face it: navigating indoor environments, especially large retail spaces, is a pain. GPS doesn’t work well inside; most solutions are costly or overly complex, and few are built with accessibility in mind.
Our collaboration with Auki Labs flips that on its head. By combining Posemesh, Auki’s decentralised spatial computing protocol (think real-time centimetre-level spatial positioning), with Zappar’s AQR tech, we’ve built a lightweight yet robust system that guides people turn-by-turn using just their smartphone — no app install required. No bulky hardware or lengthy setup and installs.
All it takes is a network of strategically placed AQR codes, some clever backend magic, and you’ve got a space that can be fully mapped and made accessible in a single day.
Designed for people, powered by AI
For people who are blind or have low vision, this means navigating indoor spaces to a specific shelf, product or pick-up point is now achievable independently, safely and confidently. For retailers, it unlocks a layer of real-time spatial intelligence that supports stock management, order picking, and even autonomous robotics.
And the numbers are impressive: early implementations show productivity gains of up to 15 minutes saved per employee per day on handovers, and 20% efficiency boosts in order picking for home delivery.
This isn’t a concept. It’s live. And it’s scaling fast with rollouts underway across the US, Scandinavia, Indonesia, Germany and China.
AQR + Posemesh = Impact
Here’s what the team had to say:
“We fundamentally believe that making the world accessible to AI in turn helps make the world more accessible to humanity. Teaching digital things to understand and navigate the physical world is the highest leverage technological undertaking of this decade, and allowing this infrastructure to be decentralized and in the hands of its users is an important way of bucking the trend of surveillance capitalism.”
— Nils Pihl, CEO and founder, Auki Labs
“The collaboration with Auki Labs is a perfect example of complementary technologies joining forces to solve significant real-world problems. By integrating Zappar’s proven platform technologies, such as Mattercraft, App Clips, and AQR, with Auki’s Posemesh protocol, we’ve built a robust, highly accurate indoor navigation solution. This innovation opens new opportunities in retail, accessibility, robotics, and AI-driven applications”
— Connell Gauld, CTO and co-founder, Zappar
See it live at AWE 2025
If you're heading to Augmented World Expo (AWE) this year in Long Beach, make sure to stop by booth 409; we'll be showcasing this and much more.
If you want to talk about the future of spatial computing, accessibility, or just geek out about AQRs and App Clips, you know where to find us.
Welcome to the next chapter of navigation.
Caspar ThykierCo-Founder & CEO, Zappar