Walmart launches tools for AI agents to shop for customers

Walmart has launched tools aimed at allowing artificial intelligence agents to shop for customers. The move places one of the world’s largest retailers in the emerging market for AI-driven shopping, where software can act on a customer’s instructions rather than simply provide search results or recommendations.

AI agents are systems designed to carry out multi-step tasks with varying levels of autonomy. In retail, they could potentially help customers find products, compare options and complete shopping tasks based on preferences or directions provided by the user. Walmart’s new tools are intended to support that type of agent-led shopping experience.

The launch highlights how retailers are preparing for changes in online commerce as AI becomes more widely used in consumer services. Agent-based shopping could reshape how customers discover products and interact with retail platforms, while also raising questions about customer control, purchase decisions and the handling of personal shopping preferences.