Walmart Commerce Technologies Unveils AI-Driven Logistics Solution

Logistics news

Walmart Commerce Technologies is making its cutting-edge logistics solution, Route Optimization, available to businesses of all sizes through a new Software as a Service (SaaS) offering. Built on years of in-house innovation, this AI-powered technology has helped Walmart streamline its supply chain, reduce environmental impact, and ensure products reach customers where, when, and how they want them.

“For years, we’ve invested significant time, resources, and operational expertise into building advanced solutions like Route Optimization,” said Anshu Bhardwaj, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Walmart Global Tech and Walmart Commerce Technologies. “While this level of innovation can be out of reach for many organizations, we’re now offering our proven technology at scale so businesses can focus on what they do best — serving their customers — without the burden of developing their own systems.”

Route Optimization uses artificial intelligence to streamline logistics operations by efficiently planning delivery routes, maximizing trailer space, and reducing miles traveled. These improvements lead to faster, more cost-effective deliveries while lowering environmental impact.

Walmart’s deployment of this technology has delivered measurable results:

• 30 million unnecessary miles eliminated

• 94 million pounds of CO₂ emissions avoided

• 110,000 inefficient routes optimized

By offering this proven solution to external businesses, Walmart aims to enable more organizations to access the power of AI to transform their logistics, boost sustainability, and improve customer satisfaction.

Last year, the company implemented automation technology at two regional distribution centers—one in Arizona and the other in its home state of Arkansas—while significantly expanding its use across the grocery distribution network. It also began deploying automated forklifts at distribution centers in Florida, Texas, New York, and Alabama.

Could Walmart become a frontrunner in the fast-growing race for agentic AI dominance?

After witnessing its tech executives present their AI roadmap at an event in New York City on Wednesday, the idea doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

At the center of Walmart’s vision: AI agents that streamline everything—from how customers shop online to how employees work in stores and at headquarters, and even how suppliers manage inventory and performance metrics. And in many cases, that vision is already becoming reality.

“Walmart is all in on agents,” said Suresh Kumar, the company’s CTO. “Agents can make life simpler for every aspect of what we do at Walmart.”

Once seen primarily as a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer, Walmart has steadily evolved into a digital powerhouse. Now, by embracing agentic AI, the company is moving ahead of even some tech-first firms.

Agentic AI represents the next stage of the artificial intelligence wave: tools that go beyond assistance to take autonomous action across complex, multistep workflows—often with minimal or no human involvement. For Walmart, that’s a natural extension of the digital transformation it has been pursuing in recent years. According to Kumar, Walmart’s competitive edge lies in the enormous scale of its data—from both its massive global customer base and its position as the world’s largest private employer.

At the event, company leaders revealed four new “super agents”—high-level AI managers that oversee specialized sub-agents.

For consumers, there’s already Sparky, a generative AI assistant embedded in the Walmart app. It currently answers product questions and offers suggestions. Soon, it will take action: automatically compiling a weekly essentials order based on a shopper’s habits, and placing it after a simple approval. Eventually, it will also build personalized party orders—factoring in theme, guest count, and budget.

Internally, Walmart showcased agents designed to tackle repetitive and time-consuming tasks for store associates, engineers, corporate teams, and third-party sellers. These tools aim to free up workers for higher-value tasks while increasing overall efficiency.

While some of these AI systems are already in place, others will roll out soon. But company leaders were clear about one thing:

Walmart

FAQ, or Frequently Asked Questions:

Walmart near me?

Search

Walmart job opportunities near?

Opportunities

Walmart Pharmacy near me?

Pharmacy

• Pharmacy Hours: Typically, Walmart pharmacies operate from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Please note that pharmacy hours may vary by location.

• Auto Care Center: Operating hours for the Auto Care Center may differ from the main store hours. It's advisable to contact the specific store for accurate information.

• 24/7 Operations: As of June 2024, Walmart has confirmed that there are no plans to return to 24-hour operations in its U.S. stores. Most locations now operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 Pm