Google introduces a new standard for AI-powered automation - ForkLog: cryptocurrencies, AI, singularity, the future

# Google Introduces a New Standard for AI-Purchase Automation

Google has announced a new open standard called Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) for AI-powered shopping.

Google has announced a new open standard called Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) for AI-powered shopping.

Source: Google. The solution was developed jointly with Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target, and Walmart. It allows agents to operate at different stages of the product purchase process.

The standard aims to simplify the purchasing procedure, which currently requires connecting to various AI assistants.

According to Google representatives, UCP works with other similar protocols such as Agent Payments Protocol, Agent2Agent, and Model Context Protocol. Enterprises can choose specific tools that meet their needs.

Google will apply UCP to its products in AI-mode search and the Gemini app. This will enable users to place orders directly with American retailers during product searches.

Payments are processed through Google Pay. Support for PayPal will be added in the future. Delivery information is stored in Google Wallet.

“This is one of the most interesting features of the agent-based approach. It’s great for finding people with specific interests and selecting products that fit them perfectly. For example, I would never search for a particular item, but somehow it found me. These are the moments when the best commercial opportunities arise,” — commented Shopify CEO Toby Lutke.

His company previously offered a similar integration with Microsoft Copilot for shopping. Users can place orders during conversations with AI.

Other Google Tools

Google announced other solutions in the commerce sector. The company will allow brands to offer special discounts to users who follow AI-based recommendations.

For example, if a user searches for a rug with the following prompt:

“I’m looking for a modern, stylish, high-quality rug for the dining room. It’s important that it’s easy to clean.”

Brands can set up advertising campaigns to offer discounts during the search.

The company also introduced new data attributes in Merchant Center, enabling sellers to better position their products in search results using AI.

The firm allows retailers to integrate an AI-based business agent into Google Search to answer customer questions. Lowe’s, Michael’s, Poshmark, and Reebok are already using this feature.

The tech giant announced Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience — a set of tools for managing purchases and customer service. It is designed for retailers and restaurants.

AI-Purchases — A Trend

Automated shopping with artificial intelligence is becoming a trend — many experts and business owners see advantages in this direction and are developing the necessary infrastructure.

In May 2025, Aptos Labs CEO Avery Ching stated that digital assistants need access to blockchain assets — cryptocurrencies, tokens, and tokenized assets like real estate.

Coinbase is working on implementing a similar mechanism — it introduced a solution for online payments called x402. The technology is designed for transferring stablecoins over standard internet protocols and allows AI agents to perform autonomous transactions.

Recall that in September, Google launched a new open-source protocol that enables AI applications to send and receive payments.