Alibaba Launches AI-Powered Agent To Automate Merchant Operations

Alibaba’s international commerce arm launched Accio Agent on Thursday, according to the South China Morning Post. The agent can automate up to 70% of tasks like product ideation, prototyping, compliance checks, and supplier sourcing. The launch builds on AIDC’s Accio search engine and reflects Alibaba’s push to integrate AI across its operations to boost efficiency and cut costs. The launch builds on Alibaba's Accio search engine and reflects the group's push to integrate AI across its operations to boost efficiency and cut costs. Alibaba’s AI expansion faces challenges from a domestic “AI talent war” and mounting geopolitical tensions. Alibaba has responded with a talent recruitment program while racing to integrate AI across business units. Shares are down 1.05% in Friday’s premarket.