Walmart Inc. (WMT.US) launches AI agent shopping tool: can authorize proxy purchasing, set spending limits

Walmart Inc. (WMT.US) announced on Wednesday the launch of new tools that allow AI agents to shop and complete transactions on behalf of customers, aiming to secure a foothold in the increasingly widespread field of AI assistants for online commerce. This approach stands in sharp contrast to Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN.US), which has previously sought to restrict third-party AI shopping agents' access to its platform. Walmart Inc. said it will launch "Agent Profiles" next month. Shoppers can authorize specific AI agents, track their purchase records separately, and set spending limits or require approval for every transaction. Walmart Inc. said customers can monitor AI agent orders separately from their own orders and can revoke agent access at any time. Mizuho analyst David Bellinger said in a report that these tools enhance confidence in "agentic purchasing," a shopping process that remains "experimental." He added that the momentum and endorsement from the senior management team appear to be making this a reality. Walmart Inc. also launched the "Walmart Agent Gateway." This platform allows AI assistants such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Alphabet Inc. Class C's Gemini, and Meta's Muse to connect directly to Walmart Inc. and Sam's Club systems to search for products and complete purchases. Walmart Inc. said customers retain control over purchases. AI agents are not permitted to access payment card data and may be blocked for violating company rules. Walmart Inc. said these tools will be available to all Walmart Inc. account holders and do not require a Walmart+ membership.