Full Breakdown
Walmart and Wiliot Collaborate to Transform Retail Supply Chain with Ambient IoT
10/3/2025, 2:06:13 PM
Major Deployment of Ambient IoT Technology
Wiliot, a leader in ambient Internet of Things (IoT) technology, has partnered with Walmart, the world's largest omnichannel retailer, to implement a significant transformation in supply chain operations. This collaboration marks the first large-scale deployment of ambient IoT technology in the retail sector, with millions of Wiliot IoT Pixels being integrated throughout Walmart’s supply chain. The initiative aims to enhance supply chain efficiency, inventory accuracy, and cold chain compliance by providing real-time insights into inventory management.
The deployment involves tracking Walmart pallets at scale, with a target of reaching 90 million IoT devices by the end of 2026. Currently, the system is operational in 500 Walmart locations, with plans for national expansion across 4,600 Walmart Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and over 40 distribution centers. This integration is expected to generate high-resolution supply chain data that will feed into Walmart’s advanced AI systems.
Impact on Supply Chain Operations
The collaboration is designed to eliminate manual tasks and deliver automated alerts, enabling Walmart associates to respond more quickly and make informed decisions. Enhanced visibility into inventory has already helped resolve discrepancies, leading to smoother operations and improved customer experiences. Tal Tamir, CEO of Wiliot, emphasized the unprecedented scale of this deployment, stating, “With Walmart, we are advancing supply chain performance at an unprecedented scale.”
Walmart Senior Vice President of Transformation and Innovation, Greg Cathey, noted that the ambient IoT technology is addressing one of retail's most challenging issues: knowing exactly what merchandise is owned and its location at any given moment. This capability is crucial for delivering consistent value and quality to customers.
Broader Implications for Walmart's AI Strategy
Walmart has been integrating AI into its operations since 2015, with applications ranging from logistical planning to customer service enhancements. The company has developed a proprietary machine learning platform called Element and has created various AI tools, including chatbots and recommendation systems. As Walmart continues to expand its AI capabilities, it anticipates that these technologies will significantly impact its workforce.
CEO Doug McMillon has warned that AI will "literally change every job" within the organization, leading to a freeze in the global headcount of 2.1 million workers over the next three years. While some roles may be lost to automation, others will emerge, necessitating a workforce skilled in new technologies. Walmart plans to implement a skills program in 2026 to prepare its employees for these changes.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the potential benefits of AI and ambient IoT technologies, there are concerns regarding their impact on employment. Critics argue that the rapid integration of AI tools could lead to job losses, particularly in white-collar positions. McMillon has acknowledged these concerns but maintains that the company will prioritize human interaction in customer-facing roles.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With Walmart, we are advancing supply chain performance at an unprecedented scale,” — Tal Tamir, CEO of Wiliot
- “It’s very clear that AI is going to change literally every job,” — Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart
The collaboration between Wiliot and Walmart is setting a new benchmark for innovation in the retail industry, combining ambient IoT technology with advanced AI systems to create a more efficient and responsive supply chain.
