AI - WORLDEF

Flipkart Builds Proprietary E-Commerce LLMs as AI Generates Up to 40% of Its Code

Walmart-owned Flipkart is deepening its artificial intelligence strategy by developing specialised e-commerce large language models (LLMs), with AI now generating nearly 40% of the company’s software code. The move highlights the growing role of AI as a core operating layer in modern commerce platforms.

India’s e-commerce giant has deployed more than 250 AI models across its ecosystem, according to Chief Product and Technology Officer Balaji Thiagarajan. The company is integrating AI across customer experiences, seller services, engineering processes, and operational workflows, positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven retail innovation.

Speaking to Moneycontrol, Thiagarajan revealed that approximately 35–40% of Flipkart’s software code is already being generated by AI-powered tools. The company is also building what it describes as an “agentic e-commerce platform,” combining frontier AI technologies with proprietary models tailored specifically for commerce use cases.

How Flipkart Is Applying AI Across Its E-Commerce Ecosystem

Flipkart believes its long-term competitive advantage will come from specialised e-commerce models trained on its own data and operational expertise rather than relying solely on general-purpose AI systems. The company is using AI to enhance product discovery, conversational shopping experiences, catalogue enrichment, seller tools, customer support, and internal productivity systems.

Among its AI-powered initiatives is Seller Lens, a platform that helps merchants manage and grow their businesses through AI-driven insights. Flipkart is also deploying voice-based AI agents that currently make around 90,000 personalised calls each month to sellers for payment reminders, operational updates, and business recommendations. The company expects these volumes to increase significantly in the future.

To accelerate its AI transformation, Flipkart has strengthened its leadership team by recruiting senior executives from companies including Amazon, Coupang, Tata Digital, Razorpay, Swiggy, and Mastercard. The hires span engineering, product, supply chain, and data science functions, reflecting the company’s ambition to scale AI capabilities across the organisation.

Despite the substantial investments required for generative AI, Flipkart says its current priority is governance rather than immediate financial returns. The company is focusing on areas such as content moderation, response quality, human oversight, and reinforcement learning while measuring success through business metrics including conversion rates, customer engagement, basket sizes, demand forecasting accuracy, and inventory performance.

Flipkart’s AI push comes amid intensifying competition across the global e-commerce sector, where retailers are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, personalise shopping experiences, and automate operations. The company’s strategy signals a broader industry shift toward specialised, domain-specific AI systems that can reshape how commerce platforms are built and operated in the years ahead.

Source: Moneycontrol

AWS Launches $1 Billion AI Engineering Unit to Accelerate Enterprise Adoption

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled a new $1 billion artificial intelligence initiative aimed at helping enterprises deploy AI solutions faster. Through a newly established Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) organization, AWS plans to embed thousands of AI engineers directly within customer organizations, signaling a major shift from cloud infrastructure provider to hands-on AI implementation partner.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing division of Amazon, has announced a $1 billion investment to establish its new Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) organization. The initiative will place AWS engineers directly inside customer companies to co-develop and deploy artificial intelligence applications, with a particular focus on agentic AI systems capable of performing complex tasks with minimal human intervention.

The new organization is expected to comprise thousands of engineers who will work in small, embedded teams within client organizations for intensive engagements lasting around 45 days. Rather than acting as traditional consultants, these engineers will collaborate with internal development, business, and security teams to accelerate AI adoption and help organizations establish long-term AI capabilities.

AWS Expands Beyond Cloud Infrastructure with Embedded AI Engineering Teams

According to AWS, many enterprises continue to face challenges when moving AI projects from experimentation to production despite growing investment and interest in the technology. The company believes that embedding engineering teams directly within customer organizations will significantly shorten deployment timelines and help businesses build sustainable AI capabilities internally.

The initiative represents a notable evolution in AWS’s strategy. Historically known for providing cloud infrastructure and developer tools, the company is increasingly positioning itself as an implementation partner that helps enterprises turn AI ambitions into practical business outcomes. The move reflects the rapidly growing demand for hands-on support as organizations seek to integrate generative and agentic AI technologies into their operations.

Industry observers note that AWS is among the first major hyperscale cloud providers to launch a forward-deployed engineering organization at this scale. The initiative also places AWS alongside leading AI companies that have recently introduced similar deployment models, underscoring intensifying competition in enterprise artificial intelligence services.

Initial customers for the program reportedly include organizations such as the NBA, NFL, Ricoh, and Southwest Airlines. AWS expects the new engineering unit to help enterprises rapidly develop customized AI agents, modernize workflows, and become more self-sufficient in managing and scaling AI technologies.

The $1 billion investment highlights Amazon’s broader commitment to strengthening its position in the global enterprise AI market. As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across industries, AWS is betting that close collaboration between embedded engineers and customer teams will become a key differentiator in helping organizations move from AI experimentation to real-world implementation.

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Australians Embrace AI Shopping Tools as 63% Show Positive Interest

Australian consumers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their shopping experiences, but most remain hesitant to hand over the final purchasing decision to autonomous systems.

New research shows that while Australians are open to using AI-powered shopping assistants for product discovery, recommendations, and research, trust issues continue to limit the adoption of fully automated checkouts. The findings highlight a growing preference for AI as a shopping companion rather than a replacement for human decision-making.

AI Becomes a Shopping Assistant

Interest in agentic AI shopping tools is rising rapidly across Australia. Consumers are using generative AI platforms to compare products, discover brands, receive personalized recommendations, and simplify the research phase of online shopping. Studies indicate that nearly two-thirds of Australians are interested in trying AI-assisted shopping experiences, reflecting a significant shift in digital consumer behavior.

This trend aligns with broader changes in the retail industry, where AI-powered assistants are increasingly integrated into e-commerce platforms to help shoppers navigate growing product selections and information overload.

Checkout Remains a Human Decision

Despite their enthusiasm for AI-driven recommendations, Australian shoppers remain cautious about allowing AI to complete transactions independently. Research suggests that only a small minority of consumers are comfortable with fully autonomous purchasing.

Security concerns, payment transparency, and the desire to maintain control over spending decisions continue to influence consumer attitudes. Many shoppers view AI as a valuable adviser but believe that the final checkout process should remain firmly in human hands.

Trust Will Define the Future of Agentic Commerce

Consumer trust is emerging as one of the biggest challenges for retailers and technology providers developing agentic commerce solutions. Australians expect AI systems to be transparent about how recommendations are generated and how personal data is used.

Payment providers and established technology companies may have an advantage in this environment, as consumers often associate familiar brands with stronger security and accountability standards.

What It Means for Retailers

For e-commerce businesses, the message is clear: consumers are ready for AI-assisted shopping experiences but are not yet prepared to surrender purchasing control entirely.

Retailers should focus on deploying AI tools that improve product discovery, personalization, and customer support while keeping shoppers actively involved in purchase decisions. Brands that prioritize transparency, security, and human oversight are likely to gain a competitive advantage as agentic commerce continues to evolve.

As AI becomes a more prominent part of online retail, the next phase of e-commerce innovation may depend less on replacing shoppers and more on empowering them with intelligent tools that enhance confidence and convenience.

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UAE Joins Global AI Initiative with 35 Countries, Reinforcing Commitment to Responsible Innovation

Global delegates attend the Pax Silica Summit in Washington, focusing on secure AI supply chains and international cooperation.

Washington, D.C. – The United Arab Emirates has joined 35 other nations in signing the Joint Statement on AI Opportunities during the second Pax Silica Summit in Washington, D.C., further strengthening its position as a global advocate for responsible and secure artificial intelligence development.

UAE Strengthens Its Global AI Leadership Through International Collaboration

The summit brought together government leaders and major technology companies to discuss trusted AI supply chains, secure digital infrastructure, and international cooperation in advancing artificial intelligence. The UAE delegation was led by Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and included senior officials and representatives from some of the country’s leading technology organizations, including G42, Core42, MGX, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

By participating in the joint declaration, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to developing AI ecosystems that are secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven. The country’s involvement also highlights its growing role as a trusted global partner in shaping international AI governance and accelerating technological progress.

Building Trusted AI Infrastructure and Supply Chains

The Pax Silica Summit focused on strengthening collaboration among allied nations to build resilient AI supply chains covering critical areas such as semiconductors, computing infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing. The initiative is increasingly seen as an important platform for fostering trusted partnerships and reducing vulnerabilities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The UAE’s participation aligns with its broader national strategy to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. In recent years, the country has significantly increased investments in digital infrastructure, AI research, and international technology partnerships, positioning itself at the center of global conversations around the future of AI.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies and industries worldwide, the UAE’s engagement in initiatives such as Pax Silica demonstrates its intention not only to adopt emerging technologies but also to actively contribute to the development of responsible frameworks that guide their global implementation.

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Artificial Intelligence Determines the New Growth Route of E-Commerce in Europe

In Europe, e-commerce is once again becoming a key growth area for retail and consumer companies following the post-pandemic normalization process. According to McKinsey’s assessment, despite macroeconomic pressures and consumers spending more cautiously due to inflation, digital commerce continues to grow. It is stated that e-commerce in Europe is growing at an annual rate of 5% to 7%, and that this growth is largely supported by marketplaces.

The Impact of AI Is Increasing in E-Commerce Competition

McKinsey emphasizes that the factor distinguishing this new growth cycle from previous periods is not only demand, but also artificial intelligence-powered capabilities. While generative artificial intelligence transforms product discovery, content production, and customer interaction, analytics systems turn pricing, product variety, and delivery processes into continuously optimized structures.

Otto CEO Boris Ewenstein stated, “AI is the next paradigm shift in e-commerce. Just like the transition from catalogs to online, from online to mobile, and from mobile to platforms, AI will fundamentally change how customers shop and how we serve them.”

Agentic Commerce Is Changing the Shopping Journey

According to the news, agentic AI is redefining e-commerce competition with systems that search for products on behalf of consumers, evaluate options, and carry out multi-stage transactions. McKinsey research shows that 38% of consumers in Europe use generative AI tools for product and service research. In addition, it is projected that by 2030, between $3 trillion and $5 trillion in revenue in global B2C retail could be shaped through agentic commerce models.

Allegro CTPO David Roberts stated that traditional shopping, hyper-personalized recommendations, and the headless commerce model, in which AI assistants shop on behalf of users across platforms, will develop in the customer journey.

Retail, Media, and Omnichannel Are Converging

According to McKinsey, the boundaries between content, media, and purchasing processes are also disappearing. Short videos, live broadcasts, and content creators are no longer only traffic sources, but also function directly as digital stores. Pandora Senior Vice President of E-Commerce Jesper Damsgaard stated, “We want every online interaction to feel as carefully crafted and designed as our jewelry.”

It is also stated that AI-powered retail media networks have become an important area of profitability for companies. The news states that retail media margins can be up to 10 times higher than core retail margins.

Operational Efficiency Comes to the Fore with AI

McKinsey states that AI can reduce transaction time in customer service by 40% to 60%, that AI-powered pricing can increase gross margins by 2 to 5 points, and that it can reduce inventory costs in the supply chain by 10% to 20%. It is stated that in the new era of e-commerce, competitive advantage will strengthen among companies that position AI not only as a tool, but as the core structure of the commercial system.

New Return Requirement for Online Stores in Europe: One-Click Cancellation Era Begins

Artificial Intelligence Is Rapidly Transforming Two Professional Groups in E-Commerce

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the employment structure in the e-commerce sector. While the debate over which jobs will be transformed has continued since large artificial intelligence models began to become widespread, recent data shows that customer service and design roles are directly affected by this change.

According to the “2026 E-Commerce Talent Market Insights” report obtained by Wall Street News from 51job, customer service positions remained the largest hiring category in the e-commerce sector in the first quarter of 2026. Despite this, these positions ranked among the areas that saw the largest year-over-year decline in job postings. A significant decrease in the number of job postings was also observed in design-focused positions.

A New Role Definition in Customer Service with Artificial Intelligence

In e-commerce, customer service has long been one of the largest employment areas for platform sellers, brand owners, and service providers. These teams carried out basic operations such as customer inquiries, after-sales support, order processing, returns, and exchanges.

However, the maturation of artificial intelligence-supported customer service systems has begun to change this picture. Intelligent systems can now manage most standard scenarios such as product recommendations, order tracking, return and exchange procedures, and the resolution of after-sales issues.

Some companies are now redefining the role of human representatives not as “problem solvers,” but as “managers of complex exceptions.” This situation shows that companies’ need for customer service personnel is shifting from simple headcount growth toward more competent operational staff.

The AIGC Effect in Design Positions

Design roles are also undergoing a similar transformation. In the past, design teams had to carry out repetitive production, revision, and delivery processes for product detail pages, marketing posters, main images, and short video content.

Today, AIGC tools can perform many basic tasks such as creating product main images, designing posters, producing short video scripts, and generating visual materials. Artificial intelligence is not completely replacing designers, but it is reducing demand for entry-level design labor.

For e-commerce companies, this change means lower content production costs and faster testing cycles. For professionals, it shows a decline in the value of roles based solely on execution skills.

Demand for Technical Talent in E-Commerce Is Increasing

According to the report, demand for technical talent related to artificial intelligence reached its highest level in the last five quarters in the first quarter of 2026. This demand more than doubled compared to the second quarter of 2025.

In China’s e-commerce sector, the core competencies over the past 10 years were supply chain management and traffic operations. In the artificial intelligence era, operational efficiency, user insights, and business decision-making skills are emerging as new areas of competition.

Cross-Border E-Commerce Employment Is Also Rising

The 51job report reveals that globalization continues to be an important driving force in e-commerce growth. In the first quarter of 2026, job postings containing the keywords “cross-border” and “overseas business” reached their highest level in the last five quarters and increased by approximately 20 percent year-over-year.

The “cross-border e-commerce operations” position has ranked among the most heavily recruited categories for many consecutive quarters. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai stood out as the cities with the highest hiring demand due to their mature supply chains, cross-border ecosystems, and international business infrastructures. The international growth of platforms such as TikTok Shop, Temu, SHEIN, and AliExpress is also increasing demand for overseas-focused positions. Hiring data shows that combinations such as “cross-border + operations,” “cross-border + content,” “cross-border + data analytics,” and “cross-border + artificial intelligence” are becoming increasingly critical.

The Role of AI and Human Balance in Recruitment Processes in MENA

e& UAE Announces 2030 Roadmap for Autonomous Networks

e& UAE, one of the leading telecom services companies of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced its strategic roadmap for the transition to autonomous networks in the age of artificial intelligence. The white paper titled “The Path to Full Autonomy: e& UAE’s Strategic Blueprint for Network Transformation in the AI Era”, prepared in collaboration with TM Forum, was introduced as part of DTW Ignite 2026 held in Copenhagen.

With this roadmap, e&UAE aims to move from traditional automation to AI-native, intent-driven and closed-loop operations. e& UAE’s strategy aims to transform telecom networks from manual and reactive structures into intelligent systems that self-optimize, self-heal and keep human governance at the center.

5 Key Pillars in Autonomous Networks for the UAE: Autonomous Network DNA

At the center of e& UAE’s autonomous network strategy are 5 key structures defined as “Autonomous Network DNA”. These are listed as cross-domain intelligence, AI-native and vendor-agnostic operations, agentic and open-source supported structure, end-to-end closed-loop automation and customer-focused artificial intelligence.

The company’s roadmap focuses on 4 main business outcomes: increasing operation and maintenance efficiency, improving customer experience, reducing energy consumption and increasing the speed of bringing services to market. e& UAE aims to reach the Level 4 Autonomous Networks level by 2030 and to establish the foundation for Level 5 self-evolving networks after 2030.

More Than 400 AI Use Cases and 160 ML Models

e& UAE’s previously announced AI strategy also reveals the scale of this transformation specific to the UAE. The company has integrated more than 400 artificial intelligence use cases and 160 machine learning models into its operations. These models are used in areas such as network optimization, energy efficiency, fraud prevention, customer experience, facial recognition, voice biometrics and OCR.

e& UAE CTO: “The future of telecom will be shaped by networks that can think, learn and act autonomously”

e& UAE CTO Marwan Bin Shakar stated that the future of telecom will be shaped by “networks that can think, learn and act autonomously.” Bin Shakar stated that they see autonomous networks as a strategic enabler of the AI era and that this transformation carries networks from operational infrastructure to intelligent digital platforms.

TM Forum CTO George Glass emphasized that autonomous networks are at the center of AI-native telecom. Glass stated that the industry must now move from pilot projects to measurable value, drawing attention to the importance of common architecture, open APIs, high-value scenarios and standard evaluation frameworks.

Customers Want AI and Human Support to Work Together

According to a report by AI-native customer support platform Kim.cc, customer expectations clearly reveal where artificial intelligence is useful in customer service and where human support remains indispensable.

Kim.cc published its “AI Customer Support Sentiment Report,” based on a survey conducted with 1,000 customers in the United States. One of the most striking findings of the study was that 35 percent of respondents said they immediately feel frustrated when they realize customer support is powered by AI. Despite this, customers are more open to the use of artificial intelligence for simple tasks such as order tracking, delivery updates, and frequently asked questions.

According to the report, 45 percent of respondents welcome AI support for simple customer service tasks such as checking order status, receiving package delivery information, learning store hours, reviewing return policies, and getting answers to basic FAQs.

Expectations for Human Support Are Increasing in Sensitive Matters

Customer expectations shift toward human support in more complex and sensitive processes. According to the research, 45 percent of respondents believe human involvement is necessary when fixing a broken device or software bug, 50 percent when processing a refund, billing dispute, or plan upgrade, and 60 percent when filing a complaint about a poor experience. In addition, 50 percent of respondents hold company leadership responsible for deploying an unready tool to cut costs when AI-powered customer service answers a query incorrectly.

Gen Z and Millennials Are Less Loyal to AI Support

Although Gallup data shows that Gen Z is the generation most open to using AI in daily life, Kim.cc’s research shows that only 16 percent of Gen Z do not mind seeing AI in customer service. Gen Z and Millennials stand out as the groups most likely to switch brands after a poor automated support experience. These generations are more than twice as likely as other generations to change brands. Among Baby Boomers and Gen X, more than 50 percent combined say they feel highly frustrated when dealing with AI customer support.

“Customers Want Automation When It Saves Time”

Sachin Jaiswal, Founder and CEO of Kim.cc, said: “Customers are not rejecting AI customer support; they are rejecting poor customer service experiences. That is why it is crucial for brands to have AI and humans working together. Customers want automation when it saves time, but they still expect access to a real person when the situation calls for it.” The research shows that, for retail and e-commerce brands, a hybrid customer service model is no longer merely an option but a natural outcome of customer expectations.

Alibaba Makes New Move in Robotic Artificial Intelligence: Qwen-Robot Series Introduced

Chinese technology and e-commerce giant Alibaba has introduced its new robotic model family, the Qwen-Robot series, which carries artificial intelligence beyond chatbots. Developed on the company’s Qwen foundation model family, the new series aims to enable robots to move more intelligently in the physical world, understand their surroundings, and perform complex tasks.

Alibaba’s move shows that the new focus in global artificial intelligence competition is not limited to systems that generate text and images, but also includes embodied AI models capable of carrying out tasks in the physical world.

The Qwen-Robot Series Consists Of Three Foundation Models

The Qwen-Robot series consists of three main models: Qwen-RobotNav, Qwen-RobotManip, and Qwen-RobotWorld. Qwen-RobotNav focuses on enabling robots to navigate different environments, reach targets, and follow tasks. The model brings together five different navigation tasks under one framework, including instructio n following, going to a target point, object-oriented navigation, target tracking, and autonomous driving.

Qwen-RobotManip, on the other hand, was designed to improve robots’ capabilities to grasp, carry, place, and perform physical tasks involving objects. This model aims to offer robotic arms and different hardware structures the ability to move more flexibly.

The third model in the series, Qwen-RobotWorld, is based on a world modeling approach that enables robots to understand their environment and predict future physical scenarios. In this way, the goal is for robots not only to perceive what they see, but also to make more accurate decisions by anticipating possible outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence Gives Robots a “Brain”

According to Alibaba’s statement, the Qwen-Robot series was developed to enable robots to be used more reliably and for more general purposes in the real world. The models can be used separately, while they can also work together to give robots the capacity to navigate, interact with objects, and model the physical world.

The new series aims to bridge the gap between “seeing” and “taking action” in artificial intelligence. This approach aims to make it possible for robots not only to understand commands, but also to transform those commands into physical movements.

China’s Ambition in the Robotics Race Is Strengthening

Alibaba’s Qwen- Robot move is regarded as a new indicator of accelerating competition in artificial intelligence and robotics in China. Technology companies in the country are increasing their investments to use artificial intelligence more widely in industry, logistics, the service sector, and autonomous systems.

With the Qwen-Robot series, Alibaba aims to take on a stronger role in next-generation robotic solutions that move artificial intelligence out of digital screens and into the physical world. This development may pave the way for robots to be used across a wider range of areas in the coming period, from production and warehousing to transportation and daily life support systems.

Global Access to Anthropic’s Advanced AI Models Suspended Following Amazon’s Warning

The U.S. administration has taken a notable decision in the field of artificial intelligence by ordering restrictions on foreign nationals’ access to Anthropic’s most advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5. Following the decision, Anthropic disabled global access to the models in question in order to comply.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy was also reported to be among the technology leaders who conveyed concerns to senior U.S. administration officials regarding the security risks of Anthropic’s models. San Francisco-based artificial intelligence company Anthropic had previously limited the broad release of its Mythos model due to its advanced cybersecurity capabilities.

Anthropic Argued That the Risk Was Limited

The company later released Fable, described as a publicly available version, with certain cybersecurity safeguards. However, the U.S. government assessed that some of the model’s security measures could be bypassed through “jailbreak” methods and that this could be misused to identify software vulnerabilities. Anthropic, for its part, argued that the risk in question was limited and that similar findings could also be obtained through other publicly available models.

The decision shows that artificial intelligence is no longer merely a matter of technological competition, but has also become a strategic field in terms of national security, export controls, and geopolitical power balances. The U.S. administration’s directive points to a framework that could cover not only users outside the United States but also foreign nationals located within the United States. This indicates that criteria such as citizenship and trusted country status may increasingly come to the forefront in access to advanced artificial intelligence models.

Following the restriction, the issue was also brought to the agenda at the G7 summit. According to diplomatic sources, G7 leaders evaluated a plan that could allow selected “trusted partners” to access advanced artificial intelligence models developed by U.S.-based companies. This approach reflects the demand for controlled access to advanced models, particularly to strengthen the cybersecurity defenses of allied countries.

Anthropic Crisis Signals a New Era in the Global Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem

According to experts, the Anthropic crisis signals the beginning of a new era in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem. While governments seek to bring advanced artificial intelligence models under control as strategic technologies, companies are trying to strike a balance between innovation, customer access, and regulatory pressure. The European Union’s ongoing discussions with Anthropic regarding possible access to the Mythos model also show that the issue is critical not only from a U.S.-centric perspective, but also in terms of the global digital security architecture.

This development is seen as an important turning point for artificial intelligence companies, cloud providers, governments, and global enterprises. The process shaped around Amazon, Anthropic, the U.S. administration, and G7 countries indicates that access to advanced artificial intelligence models may from now on be managed through stricter security, oversight, and international cooperation mechanisms.

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