Walmart is expanding its use of generative AI technology to enhance the customer shopping experience. After successfully implementing a generative AI tool for its corporate employees, the retail giant is now applying the technology to assist customers at every stage of their shopping journey. During a demo with TechCrunch, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that the company is experimenting with generative AI in various ways, including the development of a shopping assistant, an AI-powered search function, and an interior design feature.
The upcoming shopping assistant, set to launch in the coming weeks, aims to provide customers with a more interactive and personalized experience. It will have the ability to answer specific questions, offer tailored product suggestions, and provide detailed information about different items. For example, the assistant can recommend Halloween costume ideas for a horror-themed party or suggest which cell phone parents should buy for their child.
In addition, Walmart’s AI-powered search tool will allow users to enter specific questions directly into the search bar. By utilizing generative AI, the tool can understand context and generate a collection of relevant items based on a single query. This feature saves customers time by eliminating the need for multiple separate searches. For instance, if a customer wants to plan a unicorn-themed birthday party, the AI search tool will display a wide array of related products like balloons, paper napkins, and streamers.
Walmart is also working on an interior design assistant that combines generative AI with augmented reality (AR) technology. Customers can upload a photo of a room and receive advice on how to redecorate it. The AI assistant will suggest items to place in the room, and users can express their preferences on which items to keep or purchase. Budget considerations are also taken into account to find affordable items.
The company’s investment in generative AI tools aligns with the growing trend of integrating this technology into various products and services. It prioritizes the use of flexible AI models from different providers to ensure the best possible user experience. While Walmart has chosen not to disclose the specific AI models it is using, the company emphasizes the importance of adaptability and the ability to switch models as needed.
Walmart’s generative AI tools build upon the recent launch of its AI app, My Assistant, which streamlines tasks for corporate employees. The company has received positive feedback about the app and has noticed employees even using it to craft humorous out-of-office messages.
With Walmart’s commitment to enhancing the customer shopping experience through generative AI, it joins other companies such as Instacart and Meta in utilizing this technology to improve their products and services. As the competition continues to invest in generative AI, it is clear that this technology is becoming increasingly essential in the retail industry.
Please note: The above article is generated by OpenAI’s language model.
