Walmart has announced its plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and drones in order to enhance the customer’s shopping experience. During a keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show, the retail giant outlined how these technological advancements will benefit customers, its team, and society as a whole.
According to Doug McMillon, Walmart’s president and CEO, the company’s purpose is to help people live better, and with advancements in technology, anything seems possible. Walmart showcased an AI-powered search experience at CES that allows customers to search for specific use cases, such as a football Super Bowl party, resulting in relevant, cross-category product recommendations.
Walmart also introduced InHome Replenishment, which utilizes AI to track customers’ shopping habits and automatically fill their online carts with the correct items at the right time. This adaptive retail approach aims to seamlessly blend the best aspects of in-store and online shopping.
In addition, Walmart announced the expansion of its drone delivery service to an additional 1.8 million households in the Dallas Fort-Worth area. The company claims that 75% of the items available in a Supercenter meet the size and weight requirements for drone delivery. This move positions Walmart ahead of its rivals in terms of drone concentration in a major metro market.
The integration of AI technology is not unique to Walmart. Many retailers, such as Uber Eats, have also started using AI to enhance their customers’ experiences. Uber Eats introduced new features on its food delivery app, including an AI-powered chatbot to help users find restaurant deals and explore new dining options.
LinkedIn also joined the AI trend by testing AI-powered features for both employers and job seekers. These features provide personalized writing suggestions for subscribers’ profile sections, helping them optimize their profiles and job descriptions.
In conclusion, Walmart’s embrace of AI and drones demonstrates its commitment to innovation and its dedication to improving the customer experience. With a focus on people, the retail giant aims to seamlessly blend online and in-store retail through adaptive retail practices. As technology continues to advance, retailers around the world are likely to adopt similar strategies to enhance their customers’ shopping experiences.
