Recommendation SystemConsumer FacingVerified

Walmart replaced its traditional keyword search engine with an AI-powered search that understands the goal behind a query, not just the words. A shopper can type "I'm hosting a Super Bowl party" and receive a curated list of snacks, decorations, and supplies — rather than getting a literal list of items containing the phrase. This launched in January 2024 across the Walmart website and mobile app.

Details

The system is powered by a combination of Walmart's proprietary Wallaby large language models and Microsoft Azure's AI services. Walmart describes the shift as moving from "scroll searching" — where shoppers hunt through pages of results for a single item — to "goal searching," where the AI interprets an intent and assembles a relevant multi-product response. The feature was unveiled at CES 2024 and is available on iOS, Android, and walmart.com. It has since been complemented by the Sparky assistant, which builds further conversational capability on top of this search foundation.

Products affected

walmart.comWalmart mobile app

Sources & Evidence

News Article

Walmart's new bet: Biggest U.S. retailer leans into AI-powered shopping

Axios·Jan 2024

https://www.axios.com/2024/01/10/walmart-app-ai-ces

Company Disclosure

Company DisclosureVerified

Walmart unveils new generative AI-powered capabilities for shoppers and associates

Microsoft Official Blog·Jan 2024

https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/01/09/walmart-unveils-new-generative-ai-powered-capabilities-for-shoppers-and-associates/

Other practices by Walmart

OtherWalmart is piloting an AI tool that simulates a job interview for candidates applying to work at the company. It walks applicants through up to 10 practice questions, scores each response on a scale of 1 to 10, and gives instant feedback on how clearly and confidently the person answered. The pilot began in June 2025 with current Walmart employees and was planned to expand to all applicants.OtherWalmart delivers orders using drones and self-driving trucks that operate without a human driver. Drone delivery is available near 270-plus Walmart stores and is on track to reach 40 million Americans. In 2021, Walmart and an autonomous trucking company called Gatik completed the world's first fully driverless commercial delivery route, with no safety driver in the cab.OtherWalmart uses AI software to plan the most efficient routes for its delivery trucks, figure out how to pack trailers to minimize wasted space, and cut unnecessary miles from its logistics network. Walmart says this eliminated 30 million unnecessary miles and avoided 94 million pounds of CO₂ emissions. The company now sells this same routing technology to other businesses as a commercial software product.

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