Walmart to Track Its Merchandise Using Millions of Ambient IoT Sensors
Walmart to Track Its Merchandise Using Millions of Ambient IoT Sensors
Synopsis:
- Walmart will attach millions of battery-free sensors across its U.S. supply chain.
- The initiative is described by Wiliot as retail’s first large-scale ambient IoT deployment.
- The system will track around 90 million pallets across 4,600 stores and 40+ distribution centers.
- Data collected will feed directly into Walmart’s AI systems to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- The goal is to enhance inventory visibility, supply chain speed, and cold chain compliance.
Estimated Read Time: 4 mins
Walmart is deploying millions of ambient Internet of Things (IoT) sensors across its supply chain in a large-scale modernization move. Technology partner Wiliot calls this rollout the first extensive deployment of ambient IoT in the retail sector. The system is designed to give the retailer real-time visibility into its entire inventory network and optimize operations through artificial intelligence.
The battery-free sensors function by harvesting energy from surrounding sources such as radio waves, light, motion, and heat. These self-powered tags will be attached to Walmart’s shipping pallets, enabling continuous data collection on temperature, humidity, dwell time, and location.
According to Fast Company and CNBC, the technology is already active in about 500 Walmart locations. The company plans to expand coverage nationwide, spanning 4,600 Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets and more than 40 distribution centers by the end of 2026. Once fully deployed, the network will monitor up to 90 million pallets of inventory across the United States.
Greg Cathey, Walmart’s Senior Vice President of Transformation and Innovation, said the goal is to solve one of retail’s hardest problems—knowing exactly what the company owns and where it is at any given time. “We’re not only optimizing our supply chain to make faster, smarter inventory decisions, but we’re also tackling one of the hardest problems in retail,” he stated. Cathey added that this visibility will help deliver the value, quality, and experience Walmart customers expect.
The rollout provides Walmart with a constant data stream feeding into its AI systems, improving decision-making accuracy. These insights help confirm proof of delivery, enhance replenishment planning, and ensure the right products reach shelves faster. By combining continuous sensing with artificial intelligence, Walmart is moving from probability-based predictions to precise, data-driven logistics.
Cathey noted that the new sensors have already started reducing manual work by automating the process of locating items. Instead of employees physically checking inventory positions, automated alerts now highlight issues in real time, allowing teams to respond faster and focus on serving customers.
The ambient IoT approach also improves cold chain compliance and eliminates outdated information previously used for forecasting. Wiliot’s President Julien Bellanger explained that supply-chain AI has long relied on projections rather than real-time data. Ambient IoT, he said, changes this by continuously providing current, factual information about every product’s condition and location.
Industry analysts point out that Walmart’s move represents a major leap from its earlier RFID technology initiative launched in 2004. According to Gartner analyst Bill Ray, the difference lies in the drastically lower cost and higher scalability of ambient IoT tags, which now make mass adoption financially viable. Ray said the value of such systems has been well documented since the RFID era, but high tag costs limited their reach. The new generation of low-cost, battery-free sensors removes that barrier, allowing the technology to transform retail logistics.
Gartner has followed Wiliot’s development closely and sees this collaboration as proof that the company can now deliver large-scale integration without sacrificing performance or affordability. Walmart’s confidence in the system suggests that Wiliot has achieved reliable scalability and compatibility with existing supply chain platforms.
Cathey described the system’s simplicity as one of its strengths: “Ambient IoT just works—it doesn’t require scanning or wanding. It allows our associates to focus on their jobs safely and efficiently while the system continuously provides real-time visibility.”
Earlier this year, the Ambient IoT Business Alliance was formed to create open standards for this new class of battery-free devices, promoting sustainability and interoperability across manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers. This global effort supports Walmart’s transition toward more efficient, environmentally responsible, and AI-driven logistics infrastructure.
In financial terms, Walmart reported $116.9 billion in quarterly revenue, a 2.3% year-over-year increase, with net income of $4.1 billion and diluted earnings per share rising 5.1% to $1.24. Shares of Walmart (NYSE: WMT) closed more than 1% higher on the day the initiative was announced, reflecting investor confidence in its technological roadmap.
According to reporting by Fast Company and CNBC, Walmart’s partnership with Wiliot signals a new chapter in smart retail operations—one that unites IoT, AI, and sustainable innovation to redefine how supply chains are managed.
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About Walmart
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, operates a vast global network of hypermarkets, discount stores, and e-commerce platforms. Headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, the company serves hundreds of millions of customers weekly through more than 10,000 stores and online marketplaces across 20 countries.
Known for its “Everyday Low Prices” strategy, Walmart has evolved into a technology-driven retail leader, integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems to enhance supply chain efficiency and inventory management. Recent initiatives include deploying millions of battery-free ambient IoT sensors—developed with tech partner Wiliot—to track goods in real time across 4,600 U.S. stores and over 40 distribution centers. The retailer’s digital transformation aims to increase operational transparency, improve cold-chain compliance, and reduce waste while enhancing customer experience. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT, Walmart continues to shape the future of smart retail and data-driven logistics worldwide.
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