Walmart is giving artificial intelligence tools to its entire U.S. store workforce, including real-time translation services and automated task management systems that cut shift planning time from 90 minutes to 30 minutes.
The world’s largest retailer announced the rollout Tuesday as part of broader investments in frontline workers that include recent wage increases and expanded training programs.
“AI is a key enabler in improving how we work, and we believe its full potential is unlocked only when paired with the strengths of our people,” said Greg Cathey, senior vice president of transformation and innovation at Walmart. “When you put intuitive, accessible technology into the hands of millions of associates, the impact isn’t incremental — it’s transformational.”
The tools will be available through Walmart’s associate app and aim to reduce time spent on routine tasks while improving customer service.
Task management system reduces planning time
The AI-powered task management tool helps store managers organize work schedules more efficiently. Initially available for overnight stocking teams, the system analyzes priorities and provides clear guidance on where workers should focus their efforts.
Based on early results, team leads and store managers report the tool has cut shift planning time by two-thirds. The company is now testing the system for other shifts in select locations.
Translation feature covers 44 languages
Walmart has developed a real-time translation tool that works in 44 languages to help staff communicate with customers and each other. The system handles both text-to-text and speech-to-speech conversations.
The tool includes Walmart-specific knowledge, such as recognizing store brand names like “Great Value” and keeping them properly referenced during translation. The company plans to add more languages and expand the feature internationally.
Conversational AI gets major upgrade
Walmart associates have used conversational AI for five years to answer basic questions about store layouts and work schedules. The system currently handles more than 3 million queries daily from over 900,000 weekly users.
A major upgrade launching in the coming months will use generative AI to convert lengthy process guides into step-by-step instructions. This will help associates handle more complex situations, such as processing returns without receipts.
Augmented reality transforms clothing departments
The retailer is also rolling out enhanced augmented reality tools for apparel sections, which have traditionally been challenging to manage due to high inventory turnover.
The new system pairs RFID technology with Walmart’s existing VizPick AR tool to help workers quickly identify which clothing items need to be moved from storage areas to sales floors. The technology is currently being tested in select stores with plans for broader expansion.
AI platform supports multiple tools
All of Walmart’s AI tools run on Element, the company’s proprietary machine learning platform. The system allows rapid deployment of AI features across the organization while maintaining data security standards.
The announcement builds on other AI initiatives at Walmart, including MyAssistant for corporate employees and specialized tools for merchandise buyers.
Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million people worldwide and generated $681 billion in revenue during fiscal 2025. The company serves about 270 million customers weekly across more than 10,750 stores and e-commerce sites in 19 countries.
