Bunnings partners with Google to deploy AI-powered shopping ‘Buddy’, promising to ‘revolutionise’ Aussie DIY projects
Bunnings has launched an AI-powered shopping assistant that promises to revolutionize the way Australians tackle weekend DIY projects.
The hardware giant has launched “Buddy,” a smart shopping agent that can photograph hand-written shopping lists, recommend products for complex renovations, and connect customers with local tradesmen when a job is too big to handle alone.
Bunnings has partnered with Google Cloud to become the first Australian retailer, and one of the first retailers globally, to deploy the tech giant’s advanced Gemini Enterprise Customer Experience solution at scale.
“Our customers come to Bunnings with projects large and small, and Buddy is designed to make planning and launching these projects easier,” said Mike Schneider, Bunnings general manager.
“Buddy” is designed to act like a helpful Bunnings team member, with the ability to retrieve a photographed, handwritten shopping list and find all the items listed to add to the customer’s cart.
For ambitious shoppers planning something bigger, AI can guide customers through the entire project from start to finish, providing helpful suggestions, estimating the cost of the project, and connecting shoppers with local tradespeople.
The AI draws on Bunnings’ extensive library of how-to guides and the expertise of real team members.
Paul Migliorini, vice president of Google Cloud Australia and New Zealand, said the technology was meeting customers “where they are”.
“AI is at its most powerful when solving everyday problems, and we are excited to be working with an iconic Australian brand like Bunnings to bring this to life,” he said.
‘Buddy’ goes live on the Bunnings website this week, replacing the existing ‘Ask Bunnings AI’ tool. This service, which is initially available to select visitors, will have wider access in the coming weeks.
Plans include voice functionality and availability in New Zealand in late 2026.
Bunnings says ‘Buddy’ is designed to complement in-store team members, not replace them, and will give customers more choice on how to access advice.
