Rakuten Ichiba launches Rakuten AI University to boost merchant efficiency

The RMS AI Assistant (Beta) offers features such as automated product descriptions, image processing, and text generation.

Japan's online shopping mall Rakuten Ichiba launched the Rakuten AI University, a comprehensive suite of video-based e-learning resources tailored to assist merchants in integrating AI solutions into their daily business routines.

With this strategic move, Rakuten aims to propel efficiency gains and productivity enhancements for its vast network of 57,000 merchants.

The cornerstone of this initiative is the RMS AI Assistant (Beta), an AI-powered store management tool unveiled earlier in March 2024. This tool, accessible via the Rakuten Merchant Server (RMS), offers features like automated product descriptions, image processing, text generation, sales trend analysis, and an AI chatbot for operational queries.

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Rakuten AI University aims to deepen merchants’ understanding of AI and its practical applications in store management. It covers AI fundamentals and provides insights into maximising the RMS AI Assistant (Beta) through real-world case studies. 

Additionally, Rakuten University Lab, a web magazine tailored to business professionals, will expand its repertoire to include video resources on AI knowledge and culture, featuring insights from industry experts.

Rakuten's overarching vision of "AI-nisation" entails leveraging AI across its entire business ecosystem to drive growth. Within Rakuten Ichiba, this means enhancing the shopping experience and operational efficiencies for merchants.