Chatbots, 3D-Printing, Drone Delivery: Has AI Taken Over Retail?

“Hi there, I’m Enki.” Any loyal ASOS shopper will know Enki from the chat window that pops up as you land on the ASOS website. Enki recommends items based on your shopping habits. Enki analyses images of clothes that users upload, and can match them with similar styles to purchase. Enki probably has more solutions than a personal stylist. But then, Enki is an algorithm. The use of Artificial intelligence is transforming retail. By using machine-learning, “fashion bots” such as Enki can analyse buying behaviour and recommend products that customers are more likely to buy. Other fashion retailers are taking note. According to Accenture, AI systems will boost profitability in the retail sector by 60 per cent over the next two decades; no wonder that chatbots are seen as crucial to retailers’ future success. But does it mean human stylists will disappear? Read more at Wired.