A POPULAR homeware brand has confirmed plans to launch an AI-powered “culinary companion”.
It comes as various retailers continue to pilot artificial intelligence in their services across the country.
Williams-Sonoma is aiming to deploy this state-of-the-art tech[/caption]
It comes after Walmart’s CEO voiced optimism about the rise of artificial intelligence[/caption]
Williams-Sonoma is aiming to deploy this state-of-the-art tech to improve its customer service.
The retailer has already introduced an AI-powered customer service assistant in a bid to boost resolution rates and cut costs.
But that’s not all Williams-Sonoma has in mind.
They’re also plotting a “culinary companion” as part of their foray into the world of artificial intelligence.
This is intended to help customers discover new products and offer advice on a range of topics.
Chief Technology and Digital Officer Sameer Hassan said: “When you think about our multichannel model, all the different ways that we connect with our customers, it’s not just an online play.
“It’s not just a digital play.
“We connect with our customers through our stores, through our in-home programs, and AI, again, allows us to amplify this experience in really exciting ways.”
It comes after Walmart CEO John Furner voiced optimism about the rise of artificial intelligence in retail.
He made the comments in an opening address to the National Retail Federation’s annual conference.
The CEO outlined how the new tech is being incorporated into the retail industry in many different ways.
Walmart has introduced a new army of AI “super agents” has part of its drive to bring in fresh tech.
It is planned to eventually become the main way shoppers and employees engage with the site.
Hari Vasudev, Chief Technology Officer of Walmart US, said: “We expect that the search bar and the conventional way of searching for items will be replaced by this multimodal interface in Sparky.
“You could basically give it a very high level task saying, you know, I’ve just moved into a new apartment.
“I’m looking to furnish the entire apartment within this budget, this color scheme, and Sparky will come back and give you the entire selection that’ll help you meet exactly that need.
“Agents can help automate and simplify pretty much everything that we do.
“This is a moment for Walmart where we’re flipping from AI supporting the business to really driving it.”
What is Walmart’s Scan and Go?
Walmart’s Scan and Go was made to save time for shoppers
Walmart’s Scan and Go system was created to help customers scan items as they shop, pay, and leave without waiting in long checkout lines.
The retailer describes the new system to be done in a few easy steps:
- Customers first need to have the Walmart app downloaded on their phones with their location access enabled.
- On the Store Mode landing page, shoppers must click the Scan and Go option.
- Customers can scan each item and place them in their carts as they shop.
- At the end, they’ll be prompted to view the cart to make sure the quantity on the app matches the ones in their carts.
- Shoppers will press “Check Out” and head to a self-checkout kiosk.
- They’ll be prompted to scan the provided QR code at the register and confirm their payment method.
- Once the transaction is complete, shoppers can leave the store without worry.
