Walmart’s Chief Executive Officer, Doug McMillon, together with other executives, presented a keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. They highlighted how the retail giant is utilizing advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR), drones, generative AI, and artificial intelligence to enhance customers’ shopping experiences.
At the event, Walmart unveiled several new products, including two AI-driven tools for improving product search and inventory management, as well as the innovative social commerce platform “Shop with Friends.” The company emphasized its extensive integration of AI in various operations, including initiatives at Sam’s Club and for business associates.
A notable innovation introduced by Walmart is a new AI research feature for iOS, allowing users to search for products based on specific use cases rather than traditional product or brand names. This user-centric approach enables customers to request items needed for events like a “football watch party” instead of specifying individual products. This enhanced search functionality, similar to Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), takes into account factors such as reviews, prices, and images to offer comprehensive search results.
Before CES, Walmart had launched an AI-powered shopping assistant that enables users to interact with chatbots while shopping, seek product recommendations, and receive personalized assistance. The company demonstrated the AI search function humorously by suggesting playful requests like a “unicorn-themed birthday party,” resulting in tailored product suggestions. This feature is currently accessible on mobile devices, specifically the iPhone second edition.
Another significant AI application by Walmart is the InHome Replenishment service, which utilizes AI algorithms to automatically restock frequently purchased items for customers. By leveraging AI and existing inventory data, Walmart simplifies the shopping experience by creating personalized online carts for users, which are then delivered to their homes via the InHome delivery service powered by smart locks. This service, exclusively available through the InHome program, offers convenience and customization to customers, adapting to their evolving needs over time.
Furthermore, Walmart introduced the concept of “adaptive retail,” focusing on flexible and personalized financial experiences for customers. This adaptive strategy seamlessly integrates various retail channels, providing a unified financial experience that transcends traditional distinctions between e-commerce and physical stores. The company’s dynamic financial approach is grounded in a dedication to customer-centric retail practices.
Additionally, Walmart is implementing AI and computer vision technology at Sam’s Club stores to streamline the checkout process and enhance the customer experience. This technology, currently operational in 10 locations, automates purchase verification as customers leave the store, eliminating the necessity for manual checks by store staff. Walmart aims to expand this technology to nearly 600 locations by the year’s end, boosting operational efficiency and customer service.
In terms of international expansion, Walmart is set to launch My Assistant, an AI tool for business associates, in 11 countries outside the United States by 2024. This tool, presently available in India and South Africa, provides support in summarizing large documents and generating creative insights to facilitate decision-making processes.
CEO Doug McMillon emphasized Walmart’s responsible approach to AI deployment, stressing the significance of utilizing technology for the betterment of people while recognizing potential job transformations. McMillon highlighted the company’s efforts to create new, more fulfilling roles for employees in line with technological advancements.
Moreover, Walmart’s collaboration with Microsoft was highlighted at the event, showcasing the integration of Azure’s language models and retail-specific AI models to enhance operational capabilities. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella underscored the positive impact of generative AI across various sectors, such as coding, productivity tools, healthcare, and education.
Apart from AI advancements, Walmart is expanding its drone delivery services in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, aiming to cover 1.8 million homes, representing 75% of the metroplex region. Teaming up with Wing and Zipline, Walmart offers expedited drone deliveries for a wide array of products, leveraging the efficiency and speed of drone technology to enhance customer service. Over 20,000 drone deliveries have been successfully completed during Walmart’s two-year testing phase, demonstrating the company’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for improved logistics and customer satisfaction.
