Instacart rolls out new agentic AI tools for grocery chains

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Instacart has released new AI tools for grocers to define the next phase of grocery shopping through AI-powered agents. The platform is also working with generative AI companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google to figure out how the next generation of digital agents will change grocery shopping.

The grocery delivery platform’s AI strategy comprises four new tools, including Cart Assistant, which provides personalized, omnichannel shopping support to retailers and learns from every interaction. Sprouts Farmers Market will be the first to pilot Cart Assistant on its website, app, and in-store through Caper Carts (AI enabled smart carts with tablet like screens).

Another of the new tools is Store View, which gives grocers real-time shelf visibility, using image and video analysis to flag low-stock or out-of-stock items. Plus, Instacart’s Catalog Engine adds AI-powered nutrition, ingredient, and product data to existing product listings.

Meanwhile, Agentic Analytics converts retail data into instant insights, enabling the platform’s retail partners to pose complex questions and receive immediate, actionable answers.

“These new AI solutions mark the next chapter in our enterprise story—empowering retailers to turn generative and agentic AI into a true competitive edge,” Chris Rogers, CEO of Instacart, said in a statement. “In an era of rapid technological change, we’re helping grocers of all sizes not only keep pace, but also compete—and win—in an AI-powered world.”

Scot Wingo, CEO of Refibuy.ai—which helps retailers prepare their systems for AI-powered shopping assistants—said Instacart may be entering its enterprise era with these new tools. “It feels like the company is really leaning in, maybe even pivoting into what we call ‘merchant services,’ attempting to be less of a consumer company and helping their B2B customers and expanding that part of the business,” Wingo wrote in an email.

Instacart’s approach, Wingo said, builds on Etsy’s and Amazon’s successes with enterprise services. Etsy’s pivot was roughly five years ago, when the platform evolved from a pure marketplace to one where merchant services now represent a significant revenue stream. Similarly, Amazon generates substantial income from FBA, advertising, and other merchant services beyond traditional e-commerce.

“Maybe there’s more and easier/higher margin dollars to be made from B2B than the B2C side, or maybe this is a hedge (admission?) against losing the front door consumer experience and moving to more of a back-end orchestration/layer,” Wingo added.