Walmart opens first ‘technology incubator’
Walmart is taking another step to gain a competitive advantage in the adoption — and development — of emerging predictive technologies.
The discount giant opened the doors to its first technology incubator, in the tech hotbed of Austin, Texas. Located in a renovated warehouse, the lab is focused on such emerging technologies as machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing, the chain said in a blog on its website.
Internally, the lab features a startup-like atmosphere to encourage collaboration and innovative thinking. However, the Austin team will also be brainstorming with Walmart’s technology teams in Bentonville, Arkansas, at the Jet headquarters in Hoboken, New Jersey, and at Walmart.com headquarters in San Bruno, California. All data scientists are focused on developing solutions that will empower employees, and make the company more efficient, the blog said.
“Effective use of technology is an absolute competitive necessity today, but even the most sophisticated technology can end up being a hindrance when built without first considering the users,” said Rachel Brynsvold, a data scientist at the lab. “We must develop best-in-class technology, and deliver it with a focus on what the business and the users need.”
To get a glimpse into Walmart’s new tech incubator, click here.
The discount giant opened the doors to its first technology incubator, in the tech hotbed of Austin, Texas. Located in a renovated warehouse, the lab is focused on such emerging technologies as machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing, the chain said in a blog on its website.
Internally, the lab features a startup-like atmosphere to encourage collaboration and innovative thinking. However, the Austin team will also be brainstorming with Walmart’s technology teams in Bentonville, Arkansas, at the Jet headquarters in Hoboken, New Jersey, and at Walmart.com headquarters in San Bruno, California. All data scientists are focused on developing solutions that will empower employees, and make the company more efficient, the blog said.
“Effective use of technology is an absolute competitive necessity today, but even the most sophisticated technology can end up being a hindrance when built without first considering the users,” said Rachel Brynsvold, a data scientist at the lab. “We must develop best-in-class technology, and deliver it with a focus on what the business and the users need.”
To get a glimpse into Walmart’s new tech incubator, click here.