Walmart has developed an AI strategy in the creation of four “super agents” reports The Wall Street Journal (July 24, 2025). Agents refer to artificial intelligence tools that can independently take some action on behalf of a user. One is for customers, one is for employees, one is for engineers, and one is for sellers and suppliers. The super agent for each group will tap the capabilities of a number of behind-the-scenes agents, all in a single unified experience.
“Artificial intelligence is already changing how we work,” said Walmart’s CEO. “Learning and applying what we learn, as we build new tools, is the responsibility and an opportunity for all of us to improve experiences for our customers, members and fellow associates.”
The firm believes it is critical to stay ahead of the technology curve in an area like retail, where the top 10 retailers can change dramatically decade to decade. Its hope is that AI agents will help deliver top-line growth, as they give customers more personalized and enticing shopping experiences, as well as bottom-line savings, where they can help manage supply chains and inventory more efficiently.
Walmart’s situation is unique, with most companies still figuring out how to deploy even one AI-powered agent that can perform a task autonomously or in coordination with humans.
The four super agents are at different stages of development. The customer-facing super agent, Sparky, is already live. Marty, the supplier-facing super agent, launches in Fall and will include functions like checking the analytics on purchases and suggesting and putting into motion advertising campaigns. The employee and engineering super agents are expected in the next year.
Classroom discussion questions:
- Explain what an AI “agent” does.
- Why does the firm want to be a leader in AI technology and how is it implementing this goal?