Walmart Launches AI Search Tool And Automatic Refilling To Improve Shopping Experience

JAKARTA - Walmart, the world's largest retailer, announced Tuesday January 9 the two new tools based on artificial intelligence (AI) at a CES conference in Las Vegas. This tool can help buyers quickly search for products and automate the reordering process for goods that are often purchased.

The company launched a new GenAI search tool developed by combining the AI model from Microsoft with Walmart shopping data. This tool allows buyers to search for products based on special use rather than using brands or goods names.

Buyers can search for them using terms such as "meetings to watch football" or "help me plan unicorn-themed parties for my daughter" and receive a list of customized products, rather than individual search for chips, chicken wings, and balloons.

"This feature, currently available to iOS users, will be extended to the website and user of the Walmart Android app by the end of this year," the company said in a statement.

The company also showed another use of AI by developing a tool called "Walkmart InHome Replenishment," which will help buyers who use subscription-based InHome delivery services to quickly fill online shopping carts with frequently ordered items.

Like other automakers and gadgets, retailers are racing to find consumer use for Generative AI technology that has hit the world since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022.

Walmart's rival Amazon.com has used a generative AI tool to help advertisers increase ad targeting and allow traders to generate promotions quickly. On Monday, January 8, Volkswagen announced at a CES conference that they would merge ChatGPT into their car.

In addition, Walmart also announced the expanded availability of an internal AI tool called My Assistant for employees in 11 countries and launched AI-based and computer vision services that would eliminate buyers' needs to verify their shopping receipts by an employee at its Sam's Club.

This technology is currently running as a trial run at 10 Sam's Club stores and uses a combination of AI cameras and processing technology in the store exit area to capture basket images and verify payments for all items in the basket.

Walmart said it plans to quickly expand this technology to nearly 600 clubs by the end of the year after buyers consistently rank waiting times at the exit as a "dangerous point"