AI agents to reshape online shopping as Google launches Universal Commerce Protocol: What it is and how it works

Google bets on AI agents for shopping, launches Universal Commerce Protocol: Artificial intelligence (AI) agents will play a major role in the way people shop in the near future, says CEO Sundar Pichai, as Google launches Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). It is a new open standard designed for agents and systems to talk to each other across every step of the shopping journey.

AI agents will become a crucial part of the shopping process as they will help users find products, compare options, and complete purchases more efficiently. To support this shift, Google has created UCP in partnership with leading global commerce and retail platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target, and Walmart.

What did CEO Sundar Pichai say?

In a social media post, CEO Pichai said, “AI agents will be a big part of how we shop in the not-so-distant future. To help lay the groundwork, we partnered with Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target and Walmart to create the Universal Commerce Protocol, a new open standard for agents and systems to talk to each other across every step of the shopping journey. And coming soon, UCP will power native checkout so you can buy directly on AI Mode and the Gemini app.”

Google said the protocol will help remove barriers between platforms and enable a more connected experience for users, merchants and AI-powered devices.

UCP will soon power native checkout, Pichai said, adding, it will allow users to purchase products directly within AI-powered experiences like AI Mode and the Gemini app. This will reduce the need for users to visit multiple websites or apps, making the purchasing process simpler and faster.

UCP works by creating a common language between AI systems and commerce platforms. Through this, AI agents can access product details, pricing, availability, and checkout systems in a standardised manner. This allows AI to seamlessly assist users from product discovery to final payment.

For consumers, this could mean a faster and more personalised shopping experience. For businesses and sellers, especially those on platforms like Shopify and Etsy, UCP can help improve visibility and customer reach through AI-powered shopping tools.

UPC is a new open standard designed for agents and systems to talk to each other across every step of the shopping journey.

UCP works by creating a common language between AI systems and commerce platforms.

Q3. How does UCP help consumers?

For consumers, this could mean a faster and more personalised shopping experience.

Q4. How will AI agents become a crucial part of the shopping process?

AI agents will become a crucial part of the shopping process as they will help users find products, compare options, and complete purchases more efficiently.

Q5. Which companies has Google partnered with to create UCP?

Google has created UCP in partnership with leading global commerce and retail platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target, and Walmart.