Walmart is introducing AI in its stores to alert employees when food on shelves is about to go bad.
The in-house-developed AI allows employees to scan items to see how ripe they are or if they’re nearing expiration. The digital dashboard will then suggest what to do with the product using generative AI, hoping to take the decision of simply throwing it away out of the equation.
Swati Kirti, senior director of data science at Walmart International Tech, says that employees having access to AI will help them make data-driven decisions that will help reduce waste in stores.
Solutions could be to send the item back to the vendor, reduce the items price to sell it before it goes to waste, or to donate it.
“This AI tool basically helps associates take off that decision making and helps them to know exactly what to do with that product at that given time,” Kirti said.
The program will soon be tested in Canada locations.
Read More: Walmart to use Generative AI to Help Reduce Food Waste in Stores