Consumers would be happy to let artificial intelligence (AI) buy their clothes, shop for beauty products and even pick their meals, according to a survey by SAP subsidiary Emarsys research.

And it has brought the results of the survey to life in a series of weird AI-generated images.

The pictures could provide a glimpse into the future of US retail. They were generated using AI, and bring to life the results of the consumer study, exploring how shoppers will browse and buy with AI in future.

The study, which surveyed over 4000 US consumers, explored the level of trust that shoppers are placing in AI, both online and on the high street.

Almost one fifth of Americans (18%) would be open to letting AI define their fashion choices, deciding what looks best and purchasing clothing items on their behalf. More than a quarter (26%) want to use AI to shop for groceries, suggesting items that are running low in the kitchen. And 16% would go as far as to allow AI to select their meals for them, deciding not just what to buy and eat, but when to eat it.

A quarter of US shoppers (25%) would be willing to let AI automatically select the best beauty products for them, with over a quarter (26%) trusting AI to curate and manage their morning skincare routines.

And 18% would allow AI to guide their reading choices, making automated selections of new books to read.

Using generative AI platform Midjourney, SAP Emarsys (emarsys.com/emarsys-sap) has produced a series of images to bring to life the various key findings from its study, showcasing the future of shopping.

“The findings from this research are a testament to the growing comfort and trust that consumers are placing in AI to make better, smarter and faster decisions,” said Megan Hostetler, global director of product marketing at SAP Emarsys. “Our platform has long integrated AI capabilities to help marketers automate, anticipate and personalise the shopping experience. Now, as consumers become more trusting of AI, the need for marketers and retail brands to incorporate these technologies – both online and off – has never been clearer.”

The significance of this shift cannot be overstated, said Hostetler.

“AI technologies are enabling marketing professionals to not just respond to consumer behaviour, but to predict it in advance,” she said. “The benefits of such proactive strategies are twofold: they not only enhance the customer experience but also drive revenue and business growth, essential during tricky economic times.”