Walmart Expands AI and Drone Initiatives

LAS VEGAS — Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, unveiled its plans to further integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and drones into its operations in order to enhance the shopping experiences of its customers.

Expanding Drone Delivery

During a Tuesday keynote presentation at the CES trade show in Las Vegas, Walmart announced its intention to expand drone delivery services to an additional 1.8 million households in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area later this year. While Walmart has already completed 20,000 drone deliveries across seven states, this expansion signifies the increasing demand and efficiency of these services.

The company's executives emphasized that no other competitor has come close to achieving such a high concentration of drone deliveries in a major metropolitan market.

AI Advancements

Aside from its drone initiatives, Walmart also shared a range of AI advancements aimed at improving customer experiences. One notable development is the introduction of a generative AI-powered search tool for iOS users. This tool suggests relevant products based on consumer queries, catering to various needs such as football watch parties and bridal showers.

Additionally, Walmart provided insights into a project called "InHome Replenishment." This initiative utilizes AI to learn consumers' shopping habits and ensure their favorite groceries are always in stock. Furthermore, the company introduced a beta platform that enables customers to virtually create outfits and receive feedback from their friends.

Sam's Club Innovations

Sam's Club, owned by Walmart, has introduced innovative approaches to checkout processes. Customers now have the option to utilize "scan and go" technology, self-checkout kiosks, or traditional staffed registers. Rather than stopping at a cashier to show their receipt, cameras located at the store exits capture images of items in shoppers' carts, confirming purchases.

Currently available in 10 clubs, Sam's Club CEO Chris Nicholas confirmed that this camera technology will be rolled out to more locations in the near future.

These latest initiatives by Walmart and its subsidiaries showcase the company's commitment to leveraging AI and drones to elevate the shopping experiences of its customers.