New HP Sprout Pro goes commercial, delivers updates that schools and businesses want

 

When Sprout by HP first hit the marketplace a few years ago, it was envisioned as a device for professional consumers, the creative types who design, develop, edit and consume multimedia content.

But once it hit the real world and users got a chance to explore this new concept of blending the physical and digital through a new form of computing, a slew of unexpected enthusiasts surfaced. Among them were educators, retailers and manufacturers who all recognized the far-reaching potential of an all-in-one touch-driven 3D computing, scanning and projector platform that could nearly transform everything they do. 

And they wanted more.

This week, during the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, HP unveiled Sprout Pro by HP G2, a reinvention of the original Sprout that’s been revamped for commercial applications. But with interest coming from educators, manufacturers and retailers, the awareness and exposure of the new computing platform will have an impact on vast groups of consumers, notably students, shoppers and workers.

To meet the needs of these types of industries, Sprout had to evolve with changes, such as tighter integration with Windows 10, higher-resolution projection, advanced 3D scanning, an Active Pen for digital drawing and a variety of new industry-centric apps.

 

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Schools love Sprout Pro

Sprout’s mix of tactile, visual and audio engagement tools makes it ideal for STE(A)M labs, hands-on teaching environments for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics subjects. 

The device’s stylus and Touch Mat enable creativity to flow: It’s ideal for teaching more advanced drawing, design and engineering skills, while its 2D and 3D scanning capabilities are perfect for projects that require modeling or high level digital arts.

 

“Sprout Pro allows instruction to become infinitely more flexible and more active,” said Brad Short, HP technologist and inventor of the original Sprout by HP. “Being able to instantly stream physical content or switch over to digital content gives students the ability to tap into their imaginations for truly creative ways to solve problems or make presentations.”

By engaging students in a more natural, intuitive and creative way, Sprout helps teachers to bring lessons in science, computer programming, robotics, 3D design and engineering to life. Its combination of touch interfaces, multimedia apps and a built-in camera enables students to tackle project-based learning and develop creative, media-rich documentation.

At the same time, students who learn how to express their ideas in ways never before imagined will be exposed to the concept of Immersive Computing, or the blending of physical and digital worlds。

 

Commercial applications

Meanwhile, manufacturing companies are already recognizing the potential for greater efficiency and quality control through Sprout. Consider the assembly station for Light Guide Systems, an HP partner that taps Sprout Pro to improve manufacturing assembly processes, boost productivity and reduce costs. The training tool used by Light Guide projects digital “canvases” onto any work surface, along with audio and video instructional prompts for how to assemble finished products – a breakthrough that helps simplify and streamline complex assembly processes.

 IMAG0715.jpgConsumers embrace Sprout experience

In retail, brands are using Sprout Pro G2 as customer-facing self-service kiosks where buyers are able to customize products with little to no assistance from sales reps. Retailers saw Sprout as way to provide a more immersive experience that could engage users or shoppers, by keeping them in-store longer while they customize the experience – or the product. 

Media Markt, the second largest consumer electronics retailer in the world, is using Sprout Pro as a retail kiosk. If shoppers are interested in a major appliance such as a refrigerator, for example, Sprout Pro can let them customize and view a 3D rendering of the appliance with the exact look and graphic design they prefer. 

Add in the ability to instantly “print” a latex wrapper that can be applied to the appliance, the sale is completed on the same day – without having to wait on a custom order to be shipped – and the customer goes home happy.