Walmart’s Groundbreaking Investment in Wiliot: Transforming Retail Supply Chains with IoT
The internet of things (IoT), a term that has become commonplace over the last two decades, is now witnessing a significant evolution in the retail sector. Walmart, the retail giant known for its expansive supply chain operations, has recently made headlines by investing in San Diego-based Wiliot to deploy a cutting-edge IoT solution. This partnership aims to harness the power of smart sensors, revolutionizing how Walmart tracks merchandise across its extensive network of stores.
The Scale of the Deployment
Announced earlier this month, this initiative is being touted as the largest deployment of ambient IoT technology within the retail sector. By the end of 2026, Walmart plans to integrate millions of battery-free IoT sensors developed by Wiliot across its 4,600 stores. These sensors will facilitate real-time tracking of an estimated 90 million pallets of inventory, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy on an unprecedented scale.
How Ambient IoT Works
Wiliot’s ambient IoT technology operates by harnessing ambient energy from sources such as radio waves, light, motion, and heat. This innovative approach not only reduces costs compared to traditional IoT and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies but also offers greater scalability. By eliminating the need for batteries, these sensors pave the way for a more sustainable approach to inventory management.
Benefits for Walmart
Tal Tamir, CEO of Wiliot, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership, noting that it adds a new layer of digitization to Walmart’s existing supply chain. The implementation of these smart sensors empowers associates through real-time insights and automation, driving improved efficiency and responsiveness.
Walmart’s senior vice president of transformation and innovation, Greg Cathey, indicated that the rollout is set to begin in approximately 500 locations by the end of the year, with plans for national expansion in 2026. The initiative targets not just Supercenters but also Neighborhood Markets and distribution centers, creating high-resolution supply chain data that seamlessly integrates with Walmart’s advanced artificial intelligence systems.
Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility
The ambient IoT sensors will capture a variety of signals, including temperature, location, humidity, and dwell time. This multidimensional data stream is crucial for enhancing Walmart’s supply chain visibility and operational performance. It enables better proofs of delivery, more informed replenishment decisions, and real-time location tracking of items throughout the supply chain.
By integrating continuous sensing with AI, Walmart is transitioning from probabilistic predictions to precision decision-making. Cathey highlighted how this new approach can streamline supply chain operations, including enhanced cold chain compliance—vital for perishable items.
Improving Operational Efficiency
While Cathey did not disclose specific figures for anticipated cost savings, he articulated expectations for significant gains. These include heightened supply chain efficiency, improved inventory accuracy, and a reduction in manual tasks for associates. By automating data collection, employees can redirect their efforts to stocking shelves and addressing inventory discrepancies, ultimately benefiting the customer experience.
The strategic use of Wiliot’s ambient IoT technology represents a major step not just for Walmart but for the retail industry at large. As this initiative unfolds, it stands to reshape supply chain dynamics and enhance the overall shopping experience for consumers.