Walmart launches two new tools to catch up with the generative AI craze

Walmart released a series of new technologies and sustainable development initiatives at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Tuesday (January 9), according to foreign media reports. The retail giant launched two new artificial intelligence tools to help shoppers quickly search for products and automatically reorder frequently purchased items.

Walmart has launched a new AI-powered search tool that combines Microsoft’s AI models with Walmart’s shopper data to enable shoppers to search for products by specific use case rather than brand or item name.

Take a parent planning a birthday party for a child who loves unicorns as an example. With the help of the new AI function, the parent does not need to search for unicorn-themed balloons, napkins, ribbons and other products many times. Just simply enter "Help me plan a unicorn-themed party for my daughter", and the system will automatically recommend a series of selected products, greatly simplifying the shopping process.

Walmart said the feature is currently only available to iOS users and will be rolled out to its website and Android app users later this year.

Walmart also demonstrated another use case for artificial intelligence. The retail giant is developing a tool called "Walmart InHome Replenishment," which will help shoppers who subscribe to the InHome delivery service quickly fill their online shopping carts with frequently used items, making shopping easier.

The report said that since the launch of ChatGPT at the end of 2022, generative AI technology has taken the world by storm. Like automobile and electronics manufacturers, retailers are also racing to find consumer uses for generative AI technology.

Walmart rival Amazon has deployed generative AI tools to help advertisers improve ad targeting and allow merchants to quickly launch promotions. Volkswagen recently announced at CES that it will integrate ChatGPT technology into its cars.

Walmart also announced that it will make an internal AI tool called My Assistant available to employees in 11 countries, and launched an AI and computer vision-powered service that will enable employees to complete work-related tasks and workflows more easily.

For example, in Sam's Club, employees will no longer need to manually check customers' shopping receipts, but can use AI tools to automatically verify customers' payments. Currently, the technology has been piloted in 10 Sam's Club stores.

Walmart said it expects to quickly roll out the technology to nearly 600 of its membership stores by the end of the year, as consumers have long considered waiting at the exit a "pain point."

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