How Rockwell Automation, Walmart, and Intuit Use AI to Innovate
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a vital cog in the future of industries across the world. Big corporations like Rockwell Automation, Walmart, and Intuit are not just staying on top of the AI wave but are harnessing it strategically to reshape their businesses. Each of these companies is using the power of AI in unique ways to meet business objectives, innovate at scale, and remain competitive.
In a recent discussion with Bloomberg, senior executives from these renowned industry giants shared their thoughts on how AI is transforming their operations and contributing to solving complex challenges. Let’s dive into what each company is doing and how AI is reshaping their trajectories.
Rockwell Automation: The AI Engine Powering Industrial Operations
Rockwell Automation is primarily known for its role in industrial automation and control processes. And while you might think a company focused on industrial operations would be slow to adopt flashy new tech like AI, that’s far from the case. Rockwell Automation recognizes that when managed effectively, AI can substantially improve productivity and enable smart decision-making.
According to Blake Moret, the CEO of Rockwell Automation, implementing AI within their automated systems allows operations to become “smarter,” meaning they can self-adjust based on changing conditions. For example, manufacturers can now monitor the health of their machines more accurately. If a mechanical issue or performance inefficiency is detected, the AI systems can instantly suggest or make adjustments, ensuring minimal interruptions and downtime. This predictive maintenance capability is a huge leap forward from the older “repair-when-broken” models of the past. Now, Rockwell’s machines can predict when it’s time for repairs or optimizations before things go wrong, thanks to AI.
One of the biggest hurdles, however, has been integrating AI into existing legacy systems. The industrial world is not always a playground for new, cutting-edge tech due to the longevity of the equipment used. Some machines in factories have been in operation for many years, which brings unique challenges when attempting to upgrade or retrofit with new AI technology. But for companies like Rockwell, emphasizing seamless integration of AI solutions has been key. They’re ensuring that their AI tech works with the systems out in the field right now, not just the latest and greatest industrial gear.
Blake Moret emphasized how important it is for AI to not disrupt operations but to make them better autonomously. Rockwell Automation’s big push is getting AI to anticipate industrial needs, respond to them proactively, and make suggestions that operators may never notice without such tech in place.
Walmart: Enhancing the Shopping Experience with AI
As one of the biggest retailers in the world, Walmart is always looking for ways to streamline its operations and improve customer experiences. The company has been pouring significant investment into AI-powered solutions to refine everything from shelf management to online shopping suggestions.
Suresh Kumar, Walmart’s Global CTO and Chief Development Officer, noted that AI helps them cater to consumer expectations by being more efficient and creating personalized shopping experiences. To put it plainly: with so many customers, so much product, and a mammoth supply chain, AI becomes a central player to streamline their process.
At the heart of Walmart’s AI-powered approach is personalization. By using customer data, Walmart’s AI tools are helping track shopping behaviors to recommend items and deals that suit a customer’s individual preferences. Let’s say you regularly shop for healthy snacks. Walmart’s AI might suggest deals on new organic products you didn’t even know they carried. This develops a personalized bond because the shopping experience begins to feel like it’s made specifically for you.
Another area where AI brings significant value to Walmart is inventory management. With thousands of products in each store, keeping shelves stocked and organized is no easy task. AI is helping Walmart predict what products are selling out soon and when restocking is necessary. This means less inconvenience for customers, who no longer face the frustration of showing up to find the product they wanted is sold out. The system helps reorder stock or move items where demand is higher, making sure you can always find what you need when you need it.
Another cool area in which Walmart is using AI is their online shopping tools. When shopping online, it’s easy to feel swamped with choices. Walmart’s focus here is to help you find what you want faster. Using AI suggestions, the platform curates options based on your history or preferences, so scrolling through thousands of similar items won’t take ages. The AI assists by sorting, recommending, and filtering, which makes your experience smoother and more manageable.
Intuit: AI for Peak Financial Performance
Intuit is known worldwide for helping individuals and small businesses manage their finances through platforms like TurboTax, QuickBooks, and Mint. But in recent years, Intuit has leveraged AI to assist in supporting customers’ financial health in smart and intuitive ways.
Taking advantage of AI’s capacity to process data at scale, Intuit uses these technologies to automate and optimize processes. One of the main goals for Intuit is to give clear financial insights to its users, whether that’s something as simple as reminding them to pay a bill or as complex as suggesting a business loan.
Ken Lin, Intuit’s CEO, pointed out just how powerful this AI can be in providing customers with financial clarity. For example, if a user is small business owner using QuickBooks, they can use AI tools for forecasting revenue, tracking expenses, or even recommending strategic decisions. Instead of handling mountains of financial paperwork by themselves, small business owners get access to AI insights that are often more proficient at analyzing data than a human financial team member. Rather than reactive approaches where business owners might only notice discrepancies or financial issues after they arise, AI provides ongoing insights, making financial management proactive.
This DJ-AI, as it’s nicknamed at Intuit, constantly makes sure that financial users are on the right track. It dynamically monitors your accounts. Did you accidentally forget to set aside money for taxes? AI can help you plan ahead. Are you wondering if it’s the right time to apply for a loan? AI can analyze your cash flow and suggest whether to proceed or hold off. It’s practical advice 24/7.
One particularly promising use case for AI within Intuit’s platforms has been tax assistance. Tax season can feel like a grueling marathon for individuals and businesses alike. The details can be overwhelming, requiring hours of painstaking paperwork or expensive outside help. However, Intuit’s AI-powered tech within TurboTax is helping to simplify and practically auto-complete most parts of the tax filing process. It can detect deductions that users may not even be aware of and alert them to possibilities, making it easier for users to capture more savings quickly.
AI systems at Intuit are also helping democratize access to financial tools that users may have historically found complicated or difficult. With AI simplifying the choices for users and enabling easier access to advice, services that once felt exclusive are now within anyone’s reach.
The Transformative Power of AI Across Industries
Across all three companies — Rockwell Automation, Walmart, and Intuit — we see a shared theme: AI is not just a buzzword. It’s providing deep, actionable insights that are shaping the way these large enterprises operate. Whether it’s optimizing factory operations and reducing downtime at Rockwell, bringing smarter shopping experiences at Walmart, or simplifying complex financial decisions at Intuit, AI is critical for staying competitive and relevant in today’s evolving market.
Each company is finding that AI works best when it’s deeply embedded within existing systems. Rather than treating AI like a “plug-and-play” solution, they realize they need to tailor it to suit their unique infrastructure and challenges. The result? A stronger, smarter, and more efficient business model that harnesses the full potential of AI.
It’s exciting to see how AI is changing our world. What’s clear is that industries across the board are only scratching the surface of AI’s potential. The fact that companies as diverse as Rockwell Automation, Walmart, and Intuit are all leveraging AI shows that no matter what sector you’re in, artificial intelligence can be a game changer. As AI technology continues to grow and advance, businesses that wisely adopt and customize AI for their needs will lead the charge into this new, tech-powered future.
