Walmart Experiments With AI and AR to Enhance Shopping Experience

Walmart is embracing emerging technologies to enhance the shopping experience for its customers.

With the aim of making shopping more convenient, Walmart is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR), the retailer said in a Friday (Oct. 6) blog post.

One of the latest experiments at Walmart is the use of generative AI to enhance online shopping, according to the post. By training the AI to generate relevant search results based on specific use cases, Walmart is streamlining the process for customers. For example, customers planning a unicorn-themed toddler birthday party can now simply search for the theme and find all the necessary products in one go.

Moreover, Walmart is utilizing AI to assist customers with complex purchases, the post said. By providing personalized recommendations based on individual needs and preferences, Walmart aims to simplify the decision-making process. For instance, customers looking for a cell phone compatible with their current wireless provider can rely on AI-powered guidance. 

In addition to AI, Walmart is also exploring voice technology to enhance the shopping experience, per the post. Through its mobile app, customers can now shop on Walmart.com using voice commands and engage in interactive conversations with the assistant. This hands-free shopping capability also allows customers to book pickup and delivery time slots.

Furthermore, Walmart said it is investing in AR tools for apparel and home products. By combining the power of generative AI and AR, Walmart aims to provide customers with personalized design assistance. Customers can share their budget, theme and preferences to receive tailored recommendations for designing a room, enabling them to visualize their desired space before making a purchase.

Additionally, Walmart is exploring the integration of virtual commerce into its stores, the post said. By allowing customers to buy physical items within virtual environments, Walmart is connecting with customers in innovative ways. Recently, Walmart launched a capability within a game called House Flip, enabling customers to make purchases within the virtual environment.

PYMNTS Intelligence has found that AI has emerged as a transformative technology in the retail sector, with the potential to generate efficiency gains and new revenue. The grocery industry, for example, could save $113 billion by deploying AI in both consumer-facing and back-end applications, according to “What Self-Service Retail is Teaching Banks About Self-Service Banking,” a PYMNTS and NCR collaboration. 

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