Walmart Introduces AI Tools to Allow Digital Assistants to Shop and Complete Purchases

Retail major Walmart has introduced new tools that allow artificial intelligence agents to shop and complete transactions on behalf of customers. The move marks the company's latest step into the growing sector of AI-powered assistants in online commerce.

This strategy highlights a distinct operational approach compared to competitors such as Amazon, which has sought to restrict third-party AI shopping agents from accessing its platform.

As part of this rollout, Walmart announced plans to launch 'Agent Profiles' next month. This feature will enable shoppers to authorize individual AI agents, track their purchases separately, and set spending limits or require explicit approval for each transaction. Customers will also be able to monitor agent-made purchases independently from their own orders and revoke agent access at any time.

Additionally, the company introduced the 'Walmart Agent Gateway'. This platform allows external AI assistants—including OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Meta's Muse—to connect directly with Walmart and Sam's Club systems to search for products and complete purchases.

To address security and privacy concerns, Walmart stated that customers will retain full control over their purchases. AI agents will be barred from accessing payment card data and can be blocked from the platform if they violate company rules.

The company confirmed that these new tools will be accessible to all standard Walmart account holders and will not require a paid Walmart+ membership.

Industry analysts have responded positively to the announcement. Mizuho analyst David Bellinger noted in a client note that the initiative instills confidence in the experimental process of agentic purchases. Bellinger added that momentum and buy-in from top management teams appear to be turning this capability into a commercial reality.

"Walmart's decision to open its systems to third-party AI assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Muse marks a strategic shift in digital commerce. By allowing external agents to complete transactions while maintaining strict customer controls and data security boundaries, retail platforms are adapting to how consumers increasingly interact with technology. This development demonstrates how traditional retail infrastructure is evolving to integrate with agentic AI, changing the landscape of online shopping and customer engagement." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes