July 04, 2025
Walmart Launches AI to Help 1.5 Million Workers Communicate in 44 Languages
Walmart is introducing several AI-powered tools for its 1.5 million U.S. associates, aimed at reducing time spent on routine tasks and improving workplace communication. The tools are available through the Walmart associate app.
A central feature is an AI-based task management system that helps store managers and team leads plan shifts more quickly. Early results indicate that the tool has reduced the time spent on planning from 90 minutes to around 30 minutes for overnight stocking shifts. The company is currently testing the tool for other shifts in select locations.
Walmart is also adding a real-time translation tool, supporting 44 languages, to assist conversations among associates and between associates and customers. The translation system includes Walmart-specific terminology, such as store brands, to maintain context accuracy. Future plans include expanding language support and introducing the tool internationally.
Less Friction in Daily Tasks for Walmart Workers
Walmart’s existing conversational AI system, used by associates to find information such as product locations or work schedules, is being upgraded with generative AI. The new version is expected to provide clearer, step-by-step guidance for more complex tasks, like processing returns without receipts. The tool currently handles over 3 million queries per day from more than 900,000 weekly users.
In apparel departments, Walmart is piloting a combination of RFID technology and augmented reality through its VizPick tool. This system helps associates locate and move items from backroom inventory to the sales floor more efficiently, a process that can be time-consuming due to frequent inventory changes in clothing sections.
All of these tools are built on Walmart’s proprietary AI platform, Element, which the company uses to deploy and scale technology across its operations while maintaining data governance and security standards.
These updates are part of Walmart’s efforts to reduce friction in daily tasks for store associates. The company has also made changes in recent years to wages, training programs, and career development opportunities for its workforce.