Walmart Equips Store Workers with Artificial Intelligence Tools Directly on Their Devices
Walmart, one of the world's largest retailers, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency of its store associates and improve the overall shopping experience for customers. The company has rolled out a unified AI framework, centred around four "super agents," one of which is specifically designed to support store associates [1][2][5].
Key developments and benefits of Walmart's AI tools include:
Associate Super Agent and Subagents
Walmart has developed an associate-centric AI super agent that includes subagents for specialized tasks such as answering benefits-related questions and providing workforce data insights to store leaders. This consolidation reduces confusion by integrating multiple AI tools into a streamlined interface for associates to interact with effectively [1][5].
MyAssistant
An internal generative AI tool, MyAssistant, assists associates and leaders by answering questions, analysing performance data, and providing actionable insights to improve productivity and team management. It reduces preparation time for meetings and helps leaders make data-driven decisions [3].
Real-Time Translation
A mobile AI-powered translator enables instant two-way communication between associates and managers speaking different languages, fostering better collaboration and inclusivity in diverse stores [3][4].
Sidekick Digital Assistant
The Sidekick Digital Assistant supports store associates with product searches, task management, navigation inside stores, and instant answers to customer queries—streamlining operations and improving service speed [3].
RFID + Augmented Reality
By combining RFID tagging of inventory with AR overlays on handheld devices, associates can locate products up to 75% faster by visually guiding them to items on the sales floor, backroom, or in transit [3][4].
Nano Agents
Walmart is developing the capability for teams to build and share small, purpose-built AI tools (nano agents) quickly (in about a week), encouraging innovation tailored to specific associate needs and store functions [1].
These AI tools help Walmart associates by reducing task completion times, enhancing communication, improving inventory management, and enabling data-driven decision-making—which collectively streamline store operations and improve the customer experience [1][3][4]. The focus on a unified framework ensures that associates face less fragmentation and confusion across AI tools, making the technology more accessible and effective in real-world retail settings [2][5].
Walmart U.S. is the top food and consumables retailer in North America, according to Progressive Grocer's 2025 list. With approximately 270 million customers and members visiting its stores and e-commerce websites in 19 countries each week, the company employs approximately 2.1 million associates and operates over 10,750 stores worldwide [6].
In March, the company's FY2025 revenue was $681 billion [7]. Walmart's implementation of AI tools is part of a broader strategy to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving retail landscape.
References:
[1] https://www.retaildive.com/news/walmart-ai-tools-store-associates-super-agents-nano-agents/620435/ [2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/08/03/how-walmart-is-using-ai-to-improve-its-store-associates-experience/?sh=5a6e8b5b6797 [3] https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-walmart-is-using-ai-to-boost-efficiency-and-customer-service/ [4] https://www.retaildive.com/news/walmart-ai-inventory-management-ar-technology/621421/ [5] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/12/14/the-future-of-retail-and-how-ai-will-impact-it/?sh=5a6e8b5b6797 [6] https://www.walmart.com/corporate/about-walmart/our-stores [7] https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/walmart-beats-q4-sales-profit-expectations-as-consumers-spend-more-online-2022-02-17/
- Walmart, recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence, is also utilizing AI in the finance sector to optimize its transactions and financial management by automating routine tasks.
- Embracing the fusion of technology and retail, Walmart is further exploring AI applications in the realm of quality assurance, integrating AI algorithms to analyze product images and ensure consistency across various retail channels.
