American home improvement retailer Lowe's has introduced a new AI-powered tool designed to enhance customer service and expedite the onboarding process for new associates.

Named Mylow Companion, this application is specifically created for use on sales floor devices by associates, offering immediate access to comprehensive product information, project guidance, and stock levels.

The new tool leverages generative AI to boost the proficiency of associates regardless of their tenure or departmental expertise at Lowe’s.

The retailer has introduced Mylow Companion to thousands of retail staff across its over 1,700 stores.

Lowe's chief digital and information officer Seemantini Godbole said: "Mylow Companion is another example of Lowe's living out its commitment to elevate the customer and associate experience. Whether associates have been on the job for five weeks or five years, they can be confident they're delivering expert-level advice and assistance, and customers can trust they're getting the best service and experience of any retailer."

Mylow Companion shares its technological infrastructure with Mylow, the virtual advisor for customers that Lowe's launched in March this year.

Both the tools were developed through a partnership with OpenAI and incorporate Lowe’s insights to provide both customers and associates with timely and accurate information.

Associates at Lowe’s can interact with Mylow Companion using natural language prompts, including voice-to-text features that allow for quicker and hands-free operation.

OpenAI chief operating officer Brad Lightcap said: "Through our collaboration with Lowe's, AI is making it faster and easier for their associates to help customers find exactly what they need for their most important projects. We're excited to support Lowe's transformation of retail by merging their industry-leading expertise in home improvement with our advanced AI capabilities."

Lowe's plans to further develop these platforms by adding new features and improving existing functionalities, guided by feedback received directly through the applications.