OpenAI has announced a partnership with Walmart to allow customers to make purchases directly through ChatGPT. This move aims to expand the capabilities of the chatbot by turning it into a platform for online shopping, as OpenAI looks for new ways to increase its revenue.
Walmart stated in an announcement on Tuesday that the new feature will let customers “simply chat and buy.” Users will be able to purchase a range of products, including meal ingredients and household items, while interacting with the chatbot. The company did not specify when the feature would become available, only noting that it would be launched “soon.”
“For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a long list of item responses,” said Walmart CEO Doug McMillon in a prepared statement. “That is about to change.”
Sam Altman, cofounder and CEO of OpenAI, commented on the partnership, saying it would “make everyday purchases a little simpler.”
This collaboration represents another step by OpenAI into the online commerce sector. The company recently introduced similar features for Shopify and Etsy sellers. When launching those services last month, OpenAI noted that it worked with Stripe to set up the technical standards needed for purchases via its “Instant Checkout” system.
Partnering with Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, marks a significant expansion for OpenAI as it seeks to compete with established digital shopping platforms like Amazon and Google. OpenAI has not yet turned a profit and continues to rely on investors to support its AI development efforts.
Walmart has also been increasing its use of artificial intelligence in both its operations and customer services. On Tuesday, the company highlighted various AI-driven initiatives such as its shopping assistant Sparky and other AI tools used at Walmart and Sam’s Club locations. Sam’s Club members will also be able to shop through ChatGPT when the new feature launches. Walmart has promoted efforts to improve “AI literacy” among its employees.
“AI is transforming everything we do, from smarter catalogs to faster delivery, and it only works if people trust it,” said Daniel Danker, executive vice president of AI Acceleration, Product and Design at Walmart.
