This Week in AI: Shopping Overhaul Sweeps Tech as Giants Roll Out Automated Agents | PYMNTS.com

OpenAI is leading a wave of artificial intelligence (AI) commerce innovation with its upcoming “Operator” shopping assistant, while Apple plans a smart home hub for March release that will streamline voice purchases through its ecosystem. The breakthroughs extend beyond retail, as the FAA explores AI for modernizing air traffic control and British startup Agemo develops software that turns plain English into working applications, while Nextech3D.AI’s photography tools promise to reduce eCommerce imaging costs.

OpenAI’s New ‘Operator’ AI to Handle Online Shopping

OpenAI is set to launch “Operator,” a groundbreaking AI agent capable of independently browsing the web and completing online transactions. Planned for a January release, the autonomous system will handle tasks from product research to purchases, potentially transforming eCommerce interactions. The move aligns with similar developments from Anthropic and Salesforce, signaling an industry shift toward AI agents that can execute complex tasks with minimal human oversight.

AI Tools Turn Plain English Into Working Software

British startup Agemo has unveiled an artificial intelligence system that creates software applications from simple English descriptions, potentially disrupting billions in traditional IT spending. Unlike existing AI coding assistants that merely complete snippets, Agemo’s technology handles the entire system design and deployment. The breakthrough could let non-technical employees build sophisticated business applications independently, though current capabilities are limited to back-end systems.

Apple Plans AI Smart Hub for Home Shopping and Control

Apple is set to launch a 6-inch AI-powered smart display as early as March, creating its first central command hub for home automation and shopping. The wall-mountable device will feature a camera, rechargeable battery and speakers, running a hybrid operating system combining Apple Watch and iPhone interfaces. The hub aims to simplify smart home control while enabling voice-command purchases through the Apple ecosystem.

FAA Plans AI System to Monitor America’s Air Traffic

The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking artificial intelligence solutions to monitor the nation’s airways, aiming to modernize oversight of thousands of daily flights. The technology could slash maintenance costs by 20% and reduce weather-related incidents by up to 20%. Major retailers and manufacturers stand to benefit from more reliable air traffic flow, particularly for time-sensitive shipments like fresh food and medical supplies.

AI Photography Tools Promise to Slash eCommerce Image Costs

A new wave of AI photography tools is revolutionizing how online retailers create product images, with Nextech3D.AI leading the charge. The technology enables instant 360-degree views and real-time customization at a fraction of traditional studio costs. With high-quality images boosting conversion rates by 30% and reducing returns by 22%, experts predict the eCommerce product photography market will surge to $275.4 billion by 2030.