How AI Is Transforming Smart Retail: Insights from Suning’s AI Summit

On November 26, 2019, the Sohu Tech AI Summit was held in Beijing, where Suning Retail Technology Research Institute director Wang Junjie delivered a keynote titled “AI Innovation Application Driving Smart Retail Transformation.” He presented Suning’s practical AI implementations across every retail scenario.

Wang emphasized that technological innovation has always been integral to retail evolution, and the maturation of AI has become a core driver of modern retail change.

Suning, a leading smart‑retail giant, has built advanced AI capabilities through its BiuOS platform, applying AI to stores, supply chain, logistics, operations, and management. This integration optimizes resource allocation, improves operational efficiency, and lowers costs.

The AI capabilities are structured in three layers: (1) foundational infrastructure such as networks, computing, and storage; (2) intelligent perception enabling audio, visual, and motion recognition; and (3) enhanced interaction through intent analysis, decision reasoning, and intelligent dialogue.

Earlier this year, Suning introduced the “Retail as a Service” (RaaS) concept, deploying three core algorithm platforms, over 80 AI retail scenarios, and more than 150 AI functions, aiming to shift retail management from experience‑based to scientifically‑driven digital practices.

During a round‑table discussion, Wang highlighted Suning’s focus on aligning cutting‑edge technology with business scenarios, leveraging extensive data accumulated over years to unlock value through contextual AI applications.

He concluded that AI’s rapid development is an unstoppable trend, and Suning’s AI journey offers valuable references and direction for the broader industry.