Walmart Accelerates AI Innovation with Instacart Exec and Launch of AI ‘Super Agents’

Walmart is accelerating its artificial intelligence adoption with a key executive hire and a new AI framework designed to enhance the shopping experience and streamline operations. Daniel Danker, formerly chief product officer at Instacart, is leaving after four and a half years to join Walmart as executive vice president of AI acceleration, product, and design. Danker shared the news on LinkedIn, praising Walmart for its bold and effective embrace of change and technology.

“It’s a company that has transformed commerce multiple times by staying relentlessly focused on customers, members and associates,” Danker said. “It’s people-led and tech-powered, grounded in local impact while operating at incredible scale. We’re on the eve of another transformation as AI enables us to reinvent commerce and serve customers and communities in entirely new ways.”

Danker will report directly to Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Walmart’s AI ‘Super Agents’ Framework

Joining Danker’s appointment, Walmart is unveiling a new AI framework consisting of four “super agents” powered by agentic AI. These super agents will serve as access points for customers, employees, and partners, integrating multiple AI agents — some already in use — such as tools that help employees navigate benefits. Suresh Kumar, Walmart’s global chief technology officer and chief development officer, explained in a LinkedIn post that the company is combining AI with breakthrough technologies like drones and real-time digital twins of facilities to predict and prevent issues before they occur.

“With geospatial data and insights from Flipkart, we plan to offer dynamic delivery windows to 95% of U.S. households by the end of this year,” Kumar said.

This initiative reflects Walmart’s commitment to leveraging advanced AI and technology to reinvent commerce and improve operational efficiency.

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FAQs

Who is Daniel Danker and what role is he assuming at Walmart?

Daniel Danker is the new executive vice president of AI acceleration, product, and design at Walmart, formerly the chief product officer at Instacart.

What is the purpose of Walmart's new AI framework?

Walmart's new AI framework consists of four "super agents" powered by agentic AI aimed at enhancing customer interaction, improving operational efficiency, and supporting employees and partners.

How is Walmart incorporating technology like drones and digital twins?

Walmart uses these technologies alongside AI to predict and prevent issues before they occur, optimizing delivery and facilities management.

Crypto Market's Take

The integration of AI super agents in large retail operations like Walmart's signifies the growing adoption and trust in AI systems across various sectors. At Crypto Market, we leverage similar agentic AI technology to enhance crypto trading efficiency and provide predictive market analysis through AI analysts. Our advanced platforms support trading automation and strategy optimization for a seamless user experience.

More to Read:

• Walmart Bets on AI Super Agents to Boost E-Commerce Growth
• Industry Praises Slate of Crypto Bills, Economists Unsure of Promise

Source: Originally published at Chain Store Age on July 25, 2025.