An online concierge system generates an order including multiple items based on unstructured data received from a user through a chat interface instead of manually adding items to the order. The user provides unstructured data to the online concierge system through the chat interface, and the online concierge system extracts an intent from the unstructured data using a natural language process. Based on the intent, the online concierge system identifies a group of items associated with the intent and selects a group of items. The online concierge system generates an order for the user that includes the items comprising the selected group of items.

A method for identifying products removed from bulk packaging includes receiving one or more images acquired by a camera arranged to capture interactions between a shopper and one or more bulk packages each configured to contain a plurality of products, analyzing the one or more images to identify the shopper and a particular bulk package among the one or more bulk packages with which the identified shopper interacted, receiving an output from at least one sensor configured to monitor changes associated with the particular bulk package, analyzing the output to determine a quantity of products removed from the particular bulk package by the identified shopper, and updating a virtual shopping cart associated with the identified shopper to include the determined quantity of products and an indication of a product type associated with the particular bulk package.

This disclosure describes techniques for appending representations of handwritten inscriptions into electronic books, such that electronic books may be customized through the use of inscriptions akin to physical books. To append inscriptions into physical books, a user may provide an inscription on a physical medium. An image of the physical medium including the inscription may be obtained, and the image may be embedded into contents of an electronic book, thus creating a copy of the electronic book that includes a custom inscription in addition to the book contents.

A robot having a base with a moving mechanism configured to move the robot according to control instructions, a controller configured to move the robot within a predetermined area along a pathway area, a body supported on the base, a camera mounted on the body and controlled to capture photo images while traveling along the pathway area, wherein the robot is controlled to rotate its body about a point in the pathway area and use the camera to take a 360 degree photo image of the surrounding at the location. The photo image is analyzed to identify information related to the location.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to shopping management systems and associated methods. A method may include receiving information regarding an item selected by a consumer. The method may also include determining if the detected item is a prohibited item. Further, the method may include performing at least one action if the detected item is a prohibited item.

A buyer-seller matching system that uses incentives to verify commissions from matching the buyer with a seller. An item locator system that comprises a repository of information about items for purchase may be provided over a network for users to access information about items for purchase. Along with each item, the system presents an incentive that may be realized if that item is purchased from a designated third party seller. The user then executes the purchase with the seller, who pays the system the agreed upon fee and also issues a certification of purchase to the buyer. The user may then take the certification of purchase back to the central repository to redeem the incentive. The item locator system then checks to verify that it has received a fee or commission from the seller for bringing the seller a buyer of the item. The fee or commission may be based on the price of the item, such as if the item is a new house for sale and the seller is a new house builder.

Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating an assisted shopping experience. A speech input can be captured and transcribed. The transcribed speech input can be transmitted to a customer service agent in a data session that is contemporaneous with a voice session. The customer service agent can then facilitate an assisted shopping experience via the voice session and data session.

Aspects are disclosed for providing users with a virtual agent at a property. A user is authenticated based on user information included in a request to enter a property secured by a locking mechanism. The user is then provided with physical access to the property remotely in response to an authentication of the user. The user is also provided with a virtual tour of the property, which comprises a remote real time interaction with the user during the physical access of the property.

An apparatus comprises a plurality of motorized mobile retail facility personal assistance apparatuses and a central computer system. The central computer system includes a network interface that permits the central computer system to wirelessly communicate with the mobile apparatuses and also with at least one user interface unit. Upon receiving a request to use one of the mobile apparatuses, the central computer system assigns an available apparatuses for use by a user during a usage session. This activity can include interfacing with the user to determine one or more specifics regarding their current needs in these regards. The specifics of their needs, in turn, can provide a basis for assigning a particular apparatus from amongst a plurality of differently purposed and differently configured apparatuses.

Systems and methods are provided real estate management. The systems and methods permit a real estate agent to provide personal service provider recommendations to their homeowners. The systems and methods also provide access to information relevant to the homeowners, which may include documents relating to the purchase and/or maintenance of the homeowners' homes.