Target leans in on AI with new tool for store employees

Driving the news: Target said Thursday that it's rolling out its "Store Companion chatbot" as an app for employees at all of its nearly 2,000 stores.

• It will be featured on workers' store-owned handheld devices to answer questions about processes and procedures.
• The retailer developed the tool in-house and is currently piloting it in about 400 stores before the nationwide rollout.

The big picture: Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy are among the retailers that recently launched AI tools like chatbots for employees or consumers.

• Target said in December it was using AI to help shoppers personalize both their online and in-store shopping trips.

How it works: The system will be able to answer questions about topics like the chain's Target Circle loyalty card, the location of products throughout the store and how to restart the cash register — all in a "conversational" manner, says chief information officer Brett Craig.

• "It is really about trying to empower and improve how our team members effectively work with our guests," Craig tells Axios.

What we're watching: Will AI systems like Store Companion eventually become effective enough to replace workers?

• Craig didn't answer that question directly: "The goal is to empower our team. The goal is to deliver a great guest experience," he said.

The bottom line: Target is trying to capture some of the hype and promise of AI to improve its operations.