Walmart has revealed a host of new and upcoming offerings aimed at enhancing the customer experience, ranging from generative AI-powered search tools to technology designed to eliminate receipt check lines at Sam’s Club. Walmart’s President and CEO, Doug McMillon, emphasized the company’s commitment to using technology to serve people better during a presentation at the CES consumer technology convention in Las Vegas.
One noteworthy innovation is the introduction of AI-powered technology at Sam’s Club, which aims to streamline the checkout process by eliminating the need for receipt-check lines at exits. Leveraging AI and computer vision, the technology verifies that members have paid for all items in their carts. Currently piloted at 10 locations, Sam’s Club plans to expand this technology to nearly 600 clubs by the end of the year, offering a more efficient shopping experience.
Walmart acknowledges that the implementation of these technological advancements may result in shifts in employee roles, with some tasks being automated. McMillon highlighted the creation of new roles that offer employees more enjoyable and satisfying work, often accompanied by higher pay.
Another significant development is the expansion of Walmart’s drone delivery service in Texas. Following over 20,000 drone deliveries in the last two years, Walmart is extending the service to an additional 1.8 million households in the Dallas Fort-Worth metroplex. This marks the first time a U.S. retailer has provided drone delivery to such a large number of households in a single market. Delivery times for eligible items are expected to be 30 minutes or less, with partnerships established with on-demand drone delivery providers Wing and Zipline.
Walmart also unveiled AI-powered tools, including a new generative AI-powered search experience available on iOS, with plans for availability on all platforms later in the quarter. This search tool allows customers to search by specific use cases, enhancing the efficiency of finding relevant items based on specific needs and occasions. Additionally, Walmart introduced the InHome Replenishment tool, an expansion of its InHome grocery delivery service launched in 2019. Using AI, this tool anticipates customers’ needs and places orders directly to their kitchens, offering a personalized and convenient shopping experience.
The retail giant is also working on an augmented reality (AR) experience called Shop with Friends, a social commerce platform enabling customers to create virtual outfits for feedback from friends. The outfits will be displayed on a virtual model with a size and shape similar to the customer, providing an immersive and interactive shopping experience.
Furthermore, Walmart reiterated its commitment to deploying a nationwide network of fast electric vehicle chargers across thousands of stores and clubs by 2030, with plans to begin rolling out the chargers in 2023. The chargers will be Walmart-owned and -operated, aiming to provide a convenient, reliable, and affordable charging experience for electric vehicle users.
In summary, Walmart’s unveiling of these innovative technologies reflects its dedication to enhancing the customer experience, leveraging AI, drone delivery services, and augmented reality to meet the evolving needs of consumers. These advancements aim to streamline processes, provide personalized services, and contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable shopping environment.