Posted: Jan 10, 2024 4:22 AM Updated: Jan 10, 2024 4:26 AM
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Walmart unveiled two generative AI tools at CES 2024 in Las Vegas to streamline the shopping experience and streamline productivity.
Walmart debuted its latest generative AI capabilities at the CES 2024 conference in Las Vegas. The retailer has introduced two innovative AI-based tools to transform the shopping experience and streamline operational efficiency for its employees.
Walmart’s new GenAI search is the product of a collaboration between the company and Microsoft. The tool leverages Microsoft’s AI models and integrates them with Walmart’s extensive shopper data. GenAI search allows shoppers to efficiently find products based on specific use cases without relying on traditional brand names or item descriptions.
Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon joined Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella to introduce these AI innovations at CES 2024, highlighting their potential to greatly benefit Walmart customers.
If you’re the CEO of Walmart Doug McMillon, you’ll have an amazing partner like the CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella. Impressive tech updates are coming 😁 #walmart #CES2024 #microsoft pic.twitter.com/kpdQLfoB0W
— Game Room Theater (@gameroomtheater) January 10, 2024
According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, American families spend six hours each week on household planning and shopping, and much of this activity takes place digitally on Walmart platforms. Walmart, which generated more than $82 billion in e-commerce sales in fiscal 2023, is now aiming to expand its digital customer base.
In 2024, Walmart plans to further enhance the digital shopping experience by integrating generative AI into its search functionality. Walmart leverages proprietary data, technology, and language models, including Microsoft Azure OpenAI services, to provide shoppers with curated lists of personalized items, creating a more intuitive browsing experience.
Walmart announced that its generative AI-powered search feature (GenAI Search) has been integrated into iOS, Android, and Walmart websites to provide a consistent experience across platforms. AI capabilities are designed to understand the context of customer queries to provide personalized responses and soon more interactive and conversational experiences.
“For example, a parent planning a unicorn-themed birthday party for their child can now simply ask, “Please help me plan a unicorn-themed party for my daughter,” streamlining the search process and increasing efficiency.” Walmart said in a blog post.
The retailer said its choice to leverage the Azure OpenAI service, powered by the enterprise-grade capabilities of Microsoft Azure, was driven by a desire to access the most advanced AI models globally. This approach aims to ensure adoption of cutting-edge technologies, but prioritizes factors such as security, compliance, and regional availability.
In addition to improving the customer experience, Walmart has recognized the importance of its employees. The company has launched a generative AI-powered “My Assistant” app for smartphones designed to assist employees with tasks ranging from summarizing long documents to creating content. The app will be accessible to Walmart’s 50,000 out-of-store associates and highlights the impact AI has on increasing productivity and efficiency.
Walmart and Microsoft said they share a common vision of leveraging AI to increase employee productivity and satisfaction while solving critical challenges facing organizations.
While Walmart’s generative AI approach involves a combination of large-scale language models, retail-specific models, and proprietary data, Microsoft will offer a diverse portfolio of pre-built low-code and pro-code solutions. This development will help retailers benefit from AI advancements throughout their unique journey, regardless of the specific scenario.
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Victor is the Managing Technology Editor/Writer at Metaverse Post and covers artificial intelligence, cryptography, data science, metaverse, and cybersecurity within the enterprise space. He boasts of five years of media and AI experience working at renowned media outlets such as VentureBeat, DatatechVibe, and Analytics India Magazine. Having worked as a media mentor at prestigious universities such as Oxford and USC, and holding a master’s degree in Data Science and Analytics, Victor is dedicated to keeping up with new trends. He provides readers with the latest and most insightful stories from the world of technology and Web3.
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Victor Day
Victor is the Managing Technology Editor/Writer at Metaverse Post and covers artificial intelligence, cryptography, data science, metaverse, and cybersecurity within the enterprise space. He boasts of five years of media and AI experience working at renowned media outlets such as VentureBeat, DatatechVibe, and Analytics India Magazine. Having worked as a media mentor at prestigious universities such as Oxford and USC, and holding a Master’s degree in Data Science and Analytics, Victor is committed to keeping up with new trends. He provides readers with the latest and most insightful stories from the world of technology and Web3.