**Retail Giant Walmart Secures Patents for AI-Driven Price Adjustments** Walmart, the multinational retail corporation, has been granted patents for its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered system to adjust prices in real-time. The patents, approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on **March 7, 2023**, describe a system that uses machine learning algorithms to analyze market trends, competitor prices, and customer behavior to optimize pricing. The patents, US 11,445,672 B2 and US 11,445,673 B2, detail a system that can adjust prices on a store-by-store basis, taking into account various factors such as weather, seasonality, and local events. The system can also learn from customer feedback and adjust prices accordingly. Walmart has been testing this system in its stores, but the company denies that it is engaging in dynamic pricing, a practice where prices are adjusted frequently to maximize profits. "We're not doing dynamic pricing," a Walmart spokesperson stated in a *statement*. "We're using data and analytics to optimize our pricing and make it more competitive for our customers." The spokesperson added that the company's goal is to provide customers with the best possible prices while also ensuring profitability. The patents suggest that Walmart is using AI to achieve this goal. According to the patents, the system can analyze data from various sources, including weather forecasts, news articles, and social media posts, to determine the optimal price for a product. The system can also take into account the prices of competitors and adjust prices accordingly. The patents describe a system that can adjust prices in real-time, allowing Walmart to respond quickly to changes in the market. Walmart has been investing heavily in AI and data analytics in recent years, and the company has already implemented various AI-powered systems in its stores. The patents suggest that the company is continuing to develop its AI capabilities, with a focus on optimizing pricing and improving customer experience. The exact details of the system are not publicly known, but the patents provide a glimpse into Walmart's efforts to stay ahead of the competition. The use of AI in pricing has raised concerns among some consumer advocacy groups, who argue that it can lead to price gouging and unfair business practices. However, Walmart maintains that its system is designed to benefit customers by providing them with the best possible prices. The company's use of AI in pricing will be closely watched by industry observers and consumer advocates in the coming months.