Walmart is launching a platform next month that allows third-party artificial intelligence agents to perform shopping tasks on its website. Customers will be able to link their own AI tools to the retailer’s site, using built-in systems to approve transactions and set spending caps before any purchase is finalised. This approach marks a clear divergence from competitors like Amazon, which has previously blocked access for agents developed by Perplexity and Meta. The retailer has established specific rules for these digital shoppers, requiring them to act only within the shopper’s intended scope and prohibiting changes to payment methods. The initiative aims to create a controlled environment where automated assistants can execute routine tasks without overriding human oversight.
The move signals a shift toward an open marketplace for software agents, contrasting with the restrictive policies found elsewhere in e-commerce. By allowing external tools to interact directly with checkout systems, Walmart positions itself as a testing ground for the next generation of consumer automation. The strict boundaries on agent behaviour ensure that financial liability remains with the human user rather than the software.
- Agents must obtain explicit approval for every transaction.
- Spending limits are enforced at the system level.
- Payment methods cannot be altered by the agent.
