Walmart and Amazon are leveraging AI to reshape the retail landscape, offering enhanced consumer experiences and streamlining operations.
According to GlobalData, Walmart is focused on AI-enhanced store management and augmented reality, while Amazon is pushing forward with customer personalization and autonomous systems.
Kiran Raj, Practice Head of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, states, “Walmart and Amazon are no longer just competing for market share. Their AI strategies are revolutionizing the entire retail ecosystem—from Walmart’s fusion of digital and physical shopping to Amazon’s advancements in operational automation.”
GlobalData’s Disruptor Intelligence Center, using its Technology Foresights tool, analyzed these retail giants’ strategic AI focus based on patent activity. Walmart has filed over 3,000 AI-related patents, with 20% in the past three years, reflecting rapid growth in its AI capabilities. Amazon, with over 9,000 AI-related patents—half submitted in the same period—solidifies its dominance in AI-driven retail innovation.
AI-Powered Retail Transformation
Walmart is rolling out AI-driven innovations like in-store product recognition and AR tools such as virtual try-ons. Its work in smart warehouses and image-based transactions is paving the way for fully automated retail, enhancing speed and accuracy in customer service.
Amazon is leading the way with AI-powered customer personalization and autonomous systems. Technologies like Autonomous Network Virtualization and Automated VNF Deployment are helping Amazon revolutionize its operational infrastructure, improving network efficiency and data management.
Walmart’s intelligent voice assistants and automated store surveillance systems aim to provide a seamless, secure shopping experience. Meanwhile, Amazon’s progress in AI-driven coding and surveillance solutions is pushing the boundaries of enterprise AI and security capabilities.
“Walmart and Amazon’s aggressive AI strategies not only fortify their market leadership but also shape the future of retail,” adds Raj. “These innovations will have ripple effects across the industry, driving supply chain innovation, customer loyalty, and operational scalability—ushering in a new era of retail.”
Want to dive deeper into AI and big data trends?
Explore AI & Big Data Expo happening in Amsterdam, California, and London, co-located with other major events like Intelligent Automation Conference and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.
