In this innovative move, Walmart envisions a future where grocery shopping becomes a frictionless experience, almost to the point of being hands-free. The concept revolves around a fully stocked fridge that magically replenishes itself, ensuring a continuous supply of essentials.
(Photo : ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Shopping carts with the Walmart logo are seen outside a Walmart store in Burbank, California on August 15, 2022.
Automating the Grocery Shopping Process
Walmart's InHome replenishment service, backed by AI, aims to automate the entire grocery shopping process. While the $20 monthly InHome membership already provides users with convenient deliveries, the latest enhancement intends to go beyond using AI algorithms.
These algorithms are trained on individual consumer habits and Walmart's extensive knowledge of general shopping patterns. The goal is to predict and fulfill users' grocery needs seamlessly, offering a glimpse into the potential future of hassle-free, AI-driven shopping experiences.
Walmart's CEO Doug McMillon and other executives provided insights into how the retail giant is leveraging emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), drones, generative AI, and other forms of artificial intelligence, to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
During a keynote presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, The Verge reported that Walmart unveiled several new products, including two AI-driven tools designed for product search and replenishment management.
The company also introduced a beta version of an AR social commerce platform called "Shop with Friends." The presentation highlighted Walmart's extensive use of AI across various business segments, including applications within Sam's Club and tools utilized by store associates.
A noteworthy announcement revealed Walmart's launch of a new generative AI search feature on iOS. This feature allows customers to search for products based on specific use cases rather than relying on product or brand names.
For instance, users can request search results tailored for a "football watch party" instead of typing individual searches for chips, wings, drinks, or a 90-inch TV.
These advanced search results aim to cover diverse categories, presenting a direct competition to Google's SGE (Search Generative Experience) and providing product recommendations, reviews, prices, images, and more.
Also read: Walmart Stops Advertising on Elon Musk's X Amid Concerns Over Hate Speech
Before CES, ABC News reported that Walmart had showcased an AI shopping assistant that enabled customers to interact with a chatbot while shopping, asking questions, and receiving personalized product recommendations.
During this preview, Walmart hinted at the development of a generative AI-powered search feature, suggesting users could ask for themed items, like a "unicorn-themed birthday party," and receive relevant results such as napkins, balloons, and streamers.
Walmart InHome Replenishment
Another promising application of AI involves the automatic replenishment of regularly purchased items. Walmart will initially experiment with this capability through Walmart InHome Replenishment.
TechCrunch reported that this service combines AI with Walmart's existing replenishment expertise to create automated online shopping carts containing items customers frequently order.
Exclusive to the InHome program, these items are then delivered to the customer's fridge using the InHome delivery service powered by smart locks. Notably, this service will not operate on a subscription basis.
The company highlighted that customers will have the flexibility to remove items from their shopping basket as needed, and the service will adapt to customers' changing preferences and requirements over time.
If this feature proves successful, it opens up possibilities for extending the service to replenish various household items, akin to Amazon's Subscribe-and-Save model. Amazon has yet to employ AI for a similar purpose, such as enhancing or replacing Dash Replenishment.
Related Article: Walmart Error Listing? Samsung Galaxy S24+ 'Accidentally' Listed on Online Site Ahead of its Launch
