Lowe's Deploys AI Voice Assistant for Retail Associates

Big-box hardware retailer Lowe's yesterday launched Mylow Companion, a voice-enabled artificial intelligence assistant aimed at improving customer service and speeding associate onboarding, across its more than 1,700 stores.

Purpose-built for associate sales floor devices, the app provides fast access to product details, project advice, and inventory information.

Mylow Companion uses generative AI to tackle knowledge hurdles head-on. Whether they're new to Lowe's, working in their area of expertise, or supporting outside their department, Mylow Companion elevates the know-how of associates. Associates can use Mylow Companion with natural, conversational prompts, including voice-to-text for hands-free use. Whether they're asked, "What kind of fertilizer works best for Bermuda grass?" or "How can I fix a leaky faucet?," Mylow Companion can deliver actionable information on associates' handheld devices.

"Mylow Companion is another example of Lowe's living out its commitment to elevate the customer and associate experience," said Seemantini Godbole, Lowe's chief digital and information officer, in a statement. "Whether associates have been on the job for five weeks or five years, they can be confident they're delivering expert-level advice and assistance, and customers can trust they're getting the best service and experience of any retailer."

Mylow Companion is built on the same foundation as Mylow, the customer-facing virtual advisor that Lowe's launched earlier this year. Mylow Companion and Mylow were both developed with OpenAI.

"Through our collaboration with Lowe's, AI is making it faster and easier for their associates to help customers find exactly what they need for their most important projects," said Brad Lightcap, chief operating officer at OpenAI, in a statement. "We're excited to support Lowe's transformation of retail by merging their industry-leading expertise in home improvement with our advanced AI capabilities."