Walmart opened its new Intelligent Retail Lab last week inside a 50,000 square foot Neighborhood Market grocery store in Levittown, NY, which is on Long Island. According to the company, the store will test new, innovative ideas with the help of artificial intelligence-enabled cameras, interactive displays and a massive data center (in full view of customers).
Plans call for the IRL team to use real-time information to explore efficiencies that will allow associates to know when to restock products, and make sure shopping carts are available and registers are open. In addition, customers can access interactive, educational displays, and find answers to commonly asked questions.
According to a Walmart executive, the IRL is meant to improve the shopping experience for customers, and also improve the employee experience.
“The technology has been built to improve associates’ jobs, the make their jobs more interesting, and to help them alleviate some of the mundane tasks. AI can enhance their skillset in a very rapidly changing world.”