- eBay and Shopify are actively creating AI tools for online sellers.
- Nitzan Mekel-Bobrov, eBay’s Chief AI Officer, foresees AI as a game-changing force in e-commerce.
- Mekel-Bobrov outlines a three-phase transformation process for e-commerce driven by AI.
In a bid to reshape the landscape of online retail, eBay and Shopify are at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their platforms. Nitzan Mekel-Bobrov, eBay’s Chief AI Officer, asserts that AI is poised to revolutionize e-commerce over the next few years. eBay has already introduced AI-driven tools like natural language search and 3D imaging to enhance the shopping experience for both buyers and sellers. Additionally, AI is being used to boost productivity internally.
Miqdad Jaffer, a director of product at Shopify, highlights how the company has developed “Shopify Magic,” a suite of AI capabilities that leverages anonymized data and OpenAI’s ChatGPT APIs to assist merchants in various aspects of their business. Shopify’s new AI tool, Sidekick, acts as a virtual assistant, helping merchants with everyday tasks.
Both companies are dedicated to responsible AI usage, aiming to avoid biases and hallucinations in their AI systems. Shopify emphasizes that AI should provide suggestions rather than make decisions, with the ultimate choice resting with the merchant. eBay, on the other hand, has established the Office of Responsible AI, collaborating with academic institutions and companies to explore ethical AI practices and address emerging risks associated with generative AI. The future of e-commerce is undeniably intertwined with AI, promising to enhance customer experiences and empower small businesses.