Walmart launches tools for AI agents to shop for customers
2 min readNew DelhiOct 22, 2026 10:34 AM IST
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Walmart introduced new tools on Wednesday that will let artificial intelligence (AI) agents shop and make purchases for customers. The retailer wants to strengthen its position as more people use AI assistants to shop online.
The move shows Walmart's growing focus on AI shopping. It also sets the company apart from Amazon, which has tried to limit third-party AI shopping agents from accessing its platform.
Walmart said it will launch “Agent Profiles” next month. These will let shoppers approve individual AI agents, track the purchases each agent makes separately, set spending limits, or require approval for every purchase.
Walmart said customers will be able to see purchases made by AI agents separately from their own orders. They can also remove an agent's access at any time.
These tools help build trust in the new and still experimental process of letting AI agents shop for people, said Mizuho analyst David Bellinger in a note.
“... the momentum and support from top management teams seems to be making this into a real thing,” Bellinger added.
The company also launched the “Walmart Agent Gateway.” This platform lets AI assistants such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini and Meta's Muse connect directly to Walmart and Sam's Club systems. They can use these connections to search for products and complete purchases.
Walmart said customers will remain in control of their purchases. AI agents will not be allowed to access payment card details, and Walmart can block agents that break its rules.
The company said the tools will be available to everyone with a Walmart account. Customers will not need a Walmart+ membership to use them.