Concerning Amazon products, the “expert shopping assistant” is able to provide information.
Rufus, a new generative artificial intelligence shopping assistant, was introduced by Amazon on Thursday. During its training, the chatbot is exposed to the product catalog of Amazon, as well as user reviews, community questions and answers, and “information from across the web.” At this time, it is exclusively accessible to a select group of Amazon customers; however, this may change in the next weeks due to expansion.
Additionally, the corporation considers the assistant to be the one-stop shop for all of the consumers’ shopping requirements. Questions such as “What should be considered when purchasing running shoes?” can be answered by Rufus. and present comparisons for questions such as “What are the differences between running shoes designed for trail running and those designed for road? Additionally, it is able to provide answers to follow-up queries such as “Are these durable?”
In order to obtain general recommendations regarding product categories, such as things to look for when shopping for headphones, Amazon recommends that you ask Rufus for his assistance. It is also able to provide contextual guidance, which encompasses providing insights into products that are based on particular hobbies (such as hiking) or occasions (such as holidays or celebrations). Other examples include asking it to compare different product categories, such as “What is the difference between lip gloss and lip oil?” or “Discuss the differences between drip coffee makers and pour-over coffee makers.” In addition, it is able to make suggestions for presents for individuals who have certain preferences, as well as shopping suggestions for the holidays.
Rufus is also able to provide answers to more precise questions on a particular product page that you are now examining. In the case of the question “Is this pickleball paddle suitable for beginners?” Amazon presents examples. as well as “Can this jacket be washed in a machine?”
Amazon stated that by the year 2023, all of its departments were working on developing generative artificial intelligence. Since then, it has introduced review summaries that are powered by artificial intelligence, and it has started encouraging vendors to create AI listings and image backgrounds for their products. At the Consumer Electronics Show in 2024, Walmart, a competitor, hinted at a feature that will be similar for its customers.
According to a statement sent by an Amazon official named Rajiv Mehta, “Generative artificial intelligence is still in its early stages, and the technology will not always get it wrong.” We are going to continue to enhance our artificial intelligence models and fine-tune our responses in order to make Rufus more useful overall over time. Customers are encouraged to submit feedback by rating their responses with a thumbs up or thumbs down, and they also have the option to provide input in the form of freeform comments.
Only “a small subset of customers” will be able to access the beta version of Rufus today. For those who are participating in the beta, it will become available after the Amazon mobile app has been updated. “In the coming weeks,” the assistant will continue to be made available to consumers in the United States. Once you have been granted access to the beta, you will be able to call upon Rufus by entering your inquiries into the search field by either typing them in or speaking them out loud. The bottom of the screen will display a chat box that is associated with Rufus.