Insights From NRF: The Intelligence Might Be Artificial, But the Implications Are Not

There was plenty to behold at the National Retail Federation's Big Show, hosted at the Javits Center in New York City from Jan. 14-16. After years of "omnichannel" being the buzzword du jour, "artificial intelligence" (AI), "machine learning," "computer vision," and "chatbot" were the mantra for exhibitors and attendees alike. But there was evidence aplenty that other emerging technologies are further penetrating the enterprise and influencing not only the way business will get done in the years ahead but also how consumers will interact with brands. To date, IBM has invested $25 million in blockchain R&D, which has produced a real-world application focused on food safety and developed in partnership with heavyweights ranging from Tyson Foods and Unilever to Kroger, Nestlé and Dole. Walmart built its own food safety platform on the backbone of IBM's blockchain technology.