The Impact of AI in Retail with Bharat Vijay, CEO of Unisense

In a world where technology is becoming an essential driver of innovation, artificial intelligence (@AI) has emerged as a transformative force, particularly within the retail industry. To gain deeper insights into this evolution, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bharat Vijay, CEO of Unisense, a company pushing the boundaries of AI in retail. Bharat shares his vision of how AI is reshaping the retail landscape, enhancing customer experiences, optimizing operations, and helping retailers meet modern-day challenges head-on.?

Kevin Jaskowiak: Bharat, thank you for joining us. Unisense has positioned itself at the cutting edge of AI technology for retail. From your perspective, how do you see AI fundamentally transforming the retail landscape??

Bharat Vijay: Thank you, Kevin. AI is not just a buzzword anymore; it’s driving tangible changes across the retail industry. One of the most significant shifts is in how retailers understand and engage with customers. AI allows us to tap into real-time consumer data—something that would have been impossible at this scale just a few years ago. With this data, retailers can not only predict what customers want but also anticipate how their needs will evolve. It moves us from reactive strategies to proactive engagement.?

KJ: That’s a powerful point. When we talk about AI enhancing customer experiences, how does this play out for consumers in practical terms??

BV: Great question! On the surface, consumers often see AI as just product recommendations, but it’s much deeper than that. AI-driven hyper-personalization is about creating a seamless and intuitive shopping experience. Retailers are no longer just offering suggestions—they’re able to curate entire shopping journeys based on individual behaviors, preferences, and even emotional triggers.?

Take visual search as an example. Customers can now upload an image, and AI will find similar products instantly. This feature not only makes shopping more enjoyable but also bridges the gap between inspiration and purchase, increasing conversion rates significantly.?

KJ: It sounds like AI is bringing consumers closer to retailers in more personalized ways. On the operational side, how is AI helping retailers to remain competitive??

BV: AI's role in optimizing operations is profound. For example, we’re seeing AI-driven dynamic pricing become a game changer. Retailers can adjust prices in real-time based on competitor activity, supply chain factors, or even a spike in demand for specific items. This allows businesses to remain competitive without sacrificing profit margins.?

Another critical area is supply chain management. AI can predict disruptions and optimize delivery routes based on current conditions, significantly reducing delays. In turn, this boosts customer satisfaction by ensuring timely delivery—a factor that is increasingly influencing brand loyalty.?

KJ: Looking ahead, what do you believe the future holds for AI in retail??

BV: The future of AI in retail will revolve around immersive and connected experiences. Think of augmented reality (AR) combined with AI, where customers can visualize products in their homes before purchasing. This kind of technology has already begun to change how customers shop for items like furniture and decor, and it’s going to become more sophisticated in the next few years.?

But I have a contrarian prediction as well. While many predict full automation, I believe that Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) systems will mushroom. As we’ve seen, those who are actively collaborating with AI are driving some of the most impactful innovations. The human element is critical, and it’s clear that human intuition, creativity, and oversight will continue to play a key role, particularly in complex decision-making processes. HITL will ensure AI is used responsibly and is aligned with ethical practices, and it will push innovation even further.??

KJ: That’s an interesting perspective. Why do you believe HITL will become more prevalent??

BV: AI is powerful, but it’s still only as good as the data and the objectives we set. Humans can provide context, moral judgment, and creativity that AI currently can’t replicate. By keeping humans in the loop, we can ensure that AI systems are not just efficient but also ethical, adaptive, and innovative. The partnership between humans and AI will continue to evolve, with humans guiding AI toward the best outcomes in retail and beyond.?

KJ: What advice would you give to retailers who want to incorporate AI into their business effectively??

BV: First and foremost, start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. AI is not a magic wand; it requires careful planning and alignment with business goals. Focus on areas where AI can deliver the most impact, whether that’s personalization, optimizing your supply chain, or enhancing customer service.?

Next, take a data-first approach. AI thrives on high-quality data, so before investing in any AI solution, ensure that your data collection processes are solid. The more structured and insightful your data, the better the AI outcomes will be.?

Finally, don’t overlook the human element. While AI can automate a lot of tasks, human oversight is essential for ensuring AI is used intuitively, ethically and effectively. Training your team to work alongside AI and leverage its capabilities to drive better outcomes is key to long-term success.?

KJ: Bharat, thank you for your insights. It’s clear that AI is not just reshaping retail but creating new pathways for growth. We look forward to seeing how Unisense continues to lead in this space.?

BV: Thank you, Kevin. I’m excited to be part of this transformation and look forward to what the future holds for AI and retail.?

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