Walmart Introduces AI Shopping Assistants for Customers

Walmart is gearing up to let AI agents handle your online shopping. Starting next month, you’ll be able to link your own AI assistant to the Walmart website, with features that allow you to approve purchases, review transactions, and set spending limits.

This move is a notable departure from Amazon’s approach, which has restricted AI shopping tools like Perplexity’s agent and Meta’s Muse AI assistant. In contrast, Walmart is welcoming AI shoppers, provided they adhere to specific guidelines. The retailer has established clear rules, stating that “agents must not take actions beyond what the shopper intends” and cannot alter payment methods. Additionally, agents will only have access to the information necessary to complete their tasks, and Walmart will block any agents that violate these terms.

Agents will be linked to new “Agent Profiles” within your Walmart account. By default, all purchases made by AI agents will require your approval, but you can also set a budget limit, such as $100. You’ll have the ability to review your agent’s purchases separately from your own in these profiles and can deactivate the agent whenever you choose.

Walmart has developed an “Agent Gateway” that connects AI agents using the Model Context Protocol, an open standard that facilitates integration with various web services. This setup not only allows AI agents to shop smoothly without the complications of a traditional browser but also safeguards your shopping history and personal data.

For instance, if you frequently buy sourdough bread or a specific brand of milk, Walmart will assist the agent in locating those items without revealing your entire shopping history. The company will also extend this AI shopping capability to Sam’s Club.