Walmart has taken a giant step in technology with Sparky, its new artificial intelligence assistant. If you've ever used Microsoft's Clippy, you'll get the idea, but this version is much more useful. Sparky helps customers search for products, compare options, and summarize reviews in seconds.
There's no need to read hundreds of comments anymore: Sparky does it for you. It can also suggest purchases for special occasions, like a backyard barbecue or a menu for a game. In seconds, it generates a cart ready to buy, and you can interact with Sparky from the Walmart app with a simple button called "Ask Sparky."
Additionally, Sparky understands text, photos, voice, and video. This means you can show it your pantry and receive recipes and necessary products for the week. In short, it makes shopping fast, simple, and even fun.
Marty, the ally of sellers and brands
While Sparky serves customers, Marty takes care of Walmart's partners. This agent helps sellers and suppliers manage catalogs, orders, and advertising campaigns from a single place. Previously, all this required multiple portals and tools, but Marty centralizes it, saving time and reducing errors.
Marty makes it easier to onboard new sellers and improves the efficiency of marketing campaigns. For brands with a lot of activity, this means a product can be in front of customers much faster. It also allows inventory and ads to be adjusted without constantly switching platforms.
Four super agents for everyone
Walmart didn't stop with Sparky and Marty. The company has created four super agents that replace dozens of separate tools. Each agent has a specific focus: customers, partners, employees, and engineers.
For store employees, the associate agent centralizes schedules, policies, and sales data. Engineers, with the developer agent, can test and launch improvements faster. This strategy reduces training, streamlines daily tasks, and improves the experience for both customers and employees.
What it means for you
The most obvious change is the shopping experience. Now you talk to Sparky as you would with a personal assistant: "I need to organize a dinner for six people." Sparky remembers your favorite products and can notify you before you run out.
Meanwhile, Marty keeps catalogs updated and optimizes ads. Employees work with clearer and more efficient systems, speeding up pickups and deliveries.
In the future, Walmart expects Sparky to become the main way to discover, shop, repeat orders, and even manage returns. The idea is simple: fewer steps, more efficiency, and easier shopping for everyone. With this move, opening the Walmart app could feel as natural as sending a message to a trusted friend.