AI reshaping commerce industry from assisted buying to autonomous transactions: Report

Core Insights - Artificial Intelligence is transforming the commerce sector by evolving from a research tool to an active participant in transactions, enabling AI agents to independently complete purchases for consumers and businesses [1][5] Group 1: AI in Consumer Transactions - AI is being utilized to assist consumers in various tasks, such as preparing weekly dinner plans, suggesting recipes, and creating shopping lists based on past purchases and preferences [3] - Consumers can instruct AI agents to plan vacations, research travel options, secure reservations, and make purchases aligned with their style and budget [7] - The concept of agentic commerce is gaining traction, with 15% of businesses very familiar and 72% somewhat familiar with it, indicating a growing awareness of AI's capabilities in making purchases without repeated authorizations [6] Group 2: AI in Business Operations - Businesses initially adopted AI for customer service and back-office operations, focusing on cost reduction and improved engagement through natural language tools [5] - AI agents can manage supplies, renew or cancel subscriptions, oversee maintenance, and process payments, enhancing operational efficiency and security through tokenized purchases [4] - The shift towards AI as an autonomous agent for consumers is becoming more pronounced, indicating a significant evolution in how businesses leverage AI technology [5][8]