
Avalon AI and Matahari Department Store Launch Aura Intelligence: A New Innovation from ITS Students in Fashion
Surabaya, Indonesia — On February 28, 2025, Avalon AI, a startup that makes artificial intelligence tools, kicked off its new system, Aura Intelligence. The event took place at Matahari Department Store in Tunjungan Plaza 3, Surabaya. Academics, Matahari managers, and many visitors came close. They gathered to see first-hand how the smart tool changes fashion retail.
Kevin Putra Santoso leads Avalon AI. He is also a student at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS). In a clear voice, he said, "We are excited by the launch of Aura Intelligence. This event marks our first work with Matahari at Tunjungan Plaza. Our research on AI helps support lifestyle and creative work."
What is Aura Intelligence?
Aura Intelligence is a system run by AI. It helps shoppers choose clothes that match their size and color. The tool cuts waiting time since users do not need to try on items. One key part of the system is size calculation. Kevin said this system is the first in the country to check size without the need for costly devices. He explained, "Usually, people must get expensive gadgets. Our deep learning code can do the work fast and at low cost."
Another smart part of Aura Intelligence is a step that checks personal color for clothes. Kevin noticed that many media talk about color checks. Usually, a color check needs a specialist and high fees. The system brings this step closer to each shopper. A chatbot also helps as a fashion guide when you pick your outfit.
Development Journey
Building Aura Intelligence was not easy. Kevin saw that fast growth in AI abroad gave the team big goals. The idea for Aura started in 2023 with a project called "Project Merlin." After many talks and clear planning, the team joined with Matahari early this year. Work on the system began on February 1. Kevin said, "We had our idea in 2023 but began the work this year. A big challenge was to craft a deep learning code that checks size without pricey gadgets."
Response from Matahari and Customers
Yani, the store manager at Matahari Tunjungan Plaza, spoke about long waits at the fitting rooms. "I wanted a way for shoppers to try clothes without long lines. After meeting Kevin and his team, we shared the same goal. Together, we built Aura Intelligence," she said. Yani believes that smart tools in fashion will change how people shop. "After tough times, digital tools now grow fast in fashion. We see Aura as a way to change the shopping feel at Matahari," she added.
Hari Ginardi, head of ITS’s IT Department, felt joy for his students. He said, "Today, many AI tools work as chatbots or big language models. Avalon shows a tool that everyone can use. It shows that our students can build ideas that help real needs."
Visitors at the launch spoke in clear terms about the system. Mawar, who lives in Surabaya, said, "The system makes shopping clear and fast. You just scan with your phone and skip trying on clothes." Another guest, Wisnu, said the tool helps him pick the proper size.
Future Developments
In the coming months, Avalon AI plans to boost Aura Intelligence even more. They aim to add Aura to online shops and bring in features like virtual try-ons. "We want to see Aura in all Matahari stores and for customers to use it at home," said Kevin.
The launch shows how fresh ideas and smart work can change whole industries. Kevin and his team prove that hard work, clear thought, and team plans bring results that help everyday life. Their work shows young people that they can build tools that work in the real world and spur change in many fields.
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By: Dyas Amorita Radhwa Nashirah
IT Journalistic, February 28, 2025