Walmart, the world's largest retailer, showcased two innovative AI-powered tools at the CES conference in Las Vegas, aiming to streamline the shopping experience for its customers.
The first tool, known as GenAI search, utilizes Microsoft's AI models combined with Walmart's shopper data. This tool enables users to search for products based on specific use cases rather than traditional brand names or individual items. According to Walmart, shoppers can now input terms like "a football watch party" or "help me plan a unicorn-themed party for my daughter" and receive a curated list of relevant products, eliminating the need for separate searches for chips, wings, and balloons.
Walmart has already launched this feature for iOS users and plans to extend it to its website and Android app later this year.
In addition to the GenAI search, Walmart unveiled its ongoing development of "Walmart InHome Replenishment." This tool is designed to assist subscribers of Walmart's InHome delivery service in quickly populating their online shopping carts with frequently ordered items.
As part of the broader trend in AI integration, Walmart joins the likes of Amazon.com and Volkswagen in exploring consumer applications for Generative AI technology. Amazon has utilized generative AI tools to enhance ad targeting and streamline promotions, while Volkswagen recently announced plans to incorporate ChatGPT into its vehicles.
Expanding its AI initiatives, Walmart also announced the wider availability of "My Assistant," an in-house AI tool, to employees across 11 countries. Simultaneously, the retail giant launched an AI and computer vision-enabled service in select Sam's Club stores. This service eliminates the need for shoppers to have their receipts verified by an employee, a move prompted by customer feedback citing exit wait times as a significant inconvenience.
Currently in a pilot phase at ten Sam's Club locations, the technology uses cameras and AI processing in the exit area to capture images of carts and verify payments for all items within a basket. Walmart aims to extend this technology to nearly 600 clubs by the end of the year based on positive feedback regarding reduced exit wait times.
