Amazon has introduced Rufus, its advanced AI shopping chatbot, to mobile users across the United States. Designed to give the e-commerce giant's shopping experience an extensive makeover, Rufus offers comprehensive product guidance, facilitates comparisons, and addresses customer inquiries seamlessly.
How Does Amazon's Rufus Work?
According to Amazon, Rufus leverages extensive data from the company’s product catalogue, customer reviews, and online sources to provide personalised recommendations and answer specific queries about products and orders.
How Can Users Access Rufus?
Users can now access Rufus directly through the Amazon app, where it assists with everything from product features and customer reviews to order tracking.
What All Can Rufus Do?
Rufus excels in understanding product listings, reviews, and community Q&A. Users can inquire about product specifics to understand a product better before deciding to buy it. The chatbot also highlights relevant questions during the chat.
For personalised recommendations, Rufus tailors suggestions based on user needs. For example, a customer looking for a pool umbrella suitable for Florida's climate can ask Rufus to consider local weather conditions.
One of Rufus's standout features is its ability to compare products. Customers can ask about the differences between "gas vs wood-fired pizza ovens" or "OLED vs QLED TVs." Rufus can also provide options for "the most advanced Fire tablet for kids" or the "current denim trends for women."
Additionally, Rufus assists with order management, allowing users to track their deliveries by simply asking about specific orders.
Why Did Amazon Name Its AI Tool 'Rufus'?
The name Rufus stems from a Welsh corgi who roamed the company’s first warehouse in 1996. Rufus, owned by employees Susan and Eric Benson, was a familiar presence at Amazon's early headquarters and left a lasting impact on the company's dog-friendly culture.
When Susan and Eric Benson asked then-CEO Jeff Bezos if they could bring Rufus to work, Bezos's response was, “Is he a good dog?” This paved the way for Rufus to become a fixture at Amazon, even being included in warehouse space contracts.
As Amazon expanded, the presence of dogs in the office grew, leading to an iconic moment when a finance executive declared, “From now on, all dogs are named Rufus.” Today, over 10,000 dogs join employees at Amazon's offices, continuing the legacy of the original Rufus, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 15.