Walmart Deploys AI Task Tools Amid Worker Performance Concerns

Walmart is accelerating the rollout of AI-powered tools and agents for its 1.6 million U.S. frontline workers. The company integrated task assignment and safety monitoring into the MyWalmart app to streamline shift starts and operational efficiency.

While some employees find the digital assistants helpful, many report that the AI generates unrealistic performance metrics and inefficient routing for order picking. Workers claim the software often ignores essential manual steps, such as checking expiration dates or sanitizing shelves, which creates pressure to cut corners to meet AI-directed timelines. Some employees also reported receiving irrelevant security alerts from the system.

Walmart executives, including VP for associate tools Brooks Forrest, state the technology is intended to support rather than replace human judgment. Forrest asserted that employees are not punished for deviating from the guidance provided by the technology.

These developments have drawn criticism from the worker advocacy group United for Respect, which raised concerns about the role of AI in HR decisions. The group recently filed a shareholder proposal requesting an AI impact report. However, the Walmart board opposed the measure, and shareholders ultimately rejected the proposal.