Rakuten Group, Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OpenAI to deliver state-of-the-art conversational artificial intelligence (AI) experiences to consumers and businesses in Japan and in global industry markets.
The two companies will together explore use cases to revolutionize the way consumers shop and engage with businesses while enhancing productivity for merchants and business partners.
Rakuten claims to have over 70 services and 1.7 billion members worldwide. It operates Japan’s largest online shopping mall and offers a diverse portfolio of services spanning e-commerce, fintech, digital content and telecommunications.
Rakuten Group will integrate AI services into its products and services, while OpenAI will provide Rakuten with priority access and support to its APIs and explore "mutually beneficial commercial opportunities."
Moreover, the Rakuten Group will bring Rakuten AI experiences into ChatGPT products by leveraging the OpenAI plugin architecture, enabling businesses to use natural language for interacting with AI agents that conduct research, analyze data, optimize inventory and pricing, automate business processes and such.
The collaboration signals an opportunity for elevating the online service landscape and delivering breakthroughs for business customers. "By leveraging Rakuten’s unique data, channels and operations with the cutting-edge technology, the two companies hope to bring value to millions of people in Japan and even more worldwide," Rakuten Group said.