Walmart introduces AI-agent shopping tools as Amazon blocks agents

TechCrunch reports Walmart introduced an Agent Gateway designed to let approved AI agents search its inventory and make purchases for customers. Agent Profiles are set to roll out in November 2026, letting shoppers review agents’ purchases separately and choose whether to approve each transaction or set a spending limit. Walmart says agents cannot access customers’ payment information and will be blocked if they break its rules. Amazon blocks AI agents from shopping on its site.