Dive Brief:
- Uber has introduced a new AI feature called Cart Assistant, which acts as a personal shopper for full grocery orders. The tool is available on the Uber Eats app at various grocers such as Albertsons, Aldi, Kroger, and Wegmans.
- Companies like Uber and Instacart are enhancing their AI capabilities to assist grocers in their innovation efforts.
Dive Insight:
Consumers are increasingly turning to AI for help with grocery shopping, price comparisons, and recipe suggestions. A recent PwC survey indicates that a significant portion of consumers plan to use AI for comparison shopping by 2030.
Uber’s Cart Assistant feature allows users to easily create shopping lists by uploading images of meal plans or typing in dishes. The tool learns users’ preferences over time and factors in store details like availability and promotions.
Users can make adjustments to their shopping baskets, swap brands, and review their orders within the Cart Assistant feature.
Uber’s Chief Technology Officer, Praveen Neppalli Naga, emphasized the company’s focus on addressing customer needs with practical AI solutions that enhance user experience.
Cart Assistant is the latest in a series of consumer-facing AI features introduced by Uber, including a virtual sales aisle and a conversational tool for meal planning and grocery ordering.