Walmart Enhances Shopping Experience with New Generative AI Features

Walmart is embarking on an exciting journey with a series of innovative technology experiments aimed at transforming the shopping experience for its customers. The focus is on integrating generative AI to enhance convenience and personalization through various features, such as an interior design assistant, a smart search tool, and a voice-command shopping assistant.

The generative AI-powered search tool is designed to intuitively understand a customer’s needs, providing relevant recommendations without the hassle of multiple searches. For instance, if a user queries “unicorn-themed toddler birthday party,” the tool will recognize sub-categories like decorations and accessories, streamlining the shopping process. Additionally, this feature condenses customer reviews into easy-to-read summaries to aid shoppers in making informed purchasing decisions.

The voice-shopping assistant offers a hands-free experience, enabling customers to find products and interact with a virtual assistant solely through voice commands. This assistant can answer specific inquiries, suggest personalized product options, and deliver detailed information about various items, enhancing the overall shopping convenience.

Building on the success of the Text to Shop service launched last year, which allows users to create virtual shopping lists and add items directly to their carts via their phones, Walmart is extending its technological offerings to further enrich the customer experience.

In a bid to modernize home shopping, Walmart is also introducing augmented reality capabilities through a virtual interior design assistant. This feature allows customers to upload photos of their rooms to receive personalized recommendations on furniture and home decor that match their budget and style preferences. As part of this early-stage development, customers can easily share their design ideas and receive tailored assistance powered by generative AI.

These advancements come shortly after Walmart introduced My Assistant, a generative AI tool for its corporate employees, aimed at streamlining administrative tasks such as drafting documents and summarizing information. With wider plans for automation, the retailer aspires to automate 65% of its stores by 2026 and recently launched a drone delivery service in partnership with Wing.

Through these cutting-edge initiatives, Walmart is setting the stage for a more efficient and engaging shopping experience, leveraging the power of generative AI and advanced technologies to meet the evolving demands of consumers.