Walmart introduces tools for AI agents to shop on customers’ behalf

Walmart is adding tools for AI agents to shop for customers on its online store and at Sam’s Club.

Its Agent Gateway will let approved agents search Walmart’s products and make purchases for users.

Agent Profiles, coming next month, will separate agent purchases from those customers make themselves.

Shoppers can require approval for every purchase or set a spending limit, and can delete an agent’s profile at any time.

AI agents can handle multi-step tasks, such as finding products and completing a purchase, rather than only answering questions like chatbots.

Walmart says agents will not be able to access customers’ payment information, and the usual returns process will apply if an agent makes a mistake.

Amazon takes the opposite approach and blocks outside agents from buying on its site, while Walmart is preparing for more AI-assisted shopping.