Bunnings partners with Google to deploy AI-powered shopping ‘Buddy’, promising to ‘revolutionise’ Aussie DIY projectsBunnings has unveiled one of its biggest projects to date, partnering with Google to revolutionise how Aussies shop and prepare their next DIY project.Georgia Palganless than 2 min readApril 4, 2026 - 6:00AMNewsWireBunnings has launched an AI-powered shopping assistant, promising to revolutionise how Australians tackle their weekend DIY projects.The hardware giant has rolled out “Buddy”, an intelligent shopping agent that can photograph handwritten shopping lists, suggest products for complex renovations, and connect customers with local tradies when a job’s too big to handle alone.Bunnings has partnered with Google Cloud to become the first Australian retailer – and one of the first globally – to deploy the tech giant’s advanced Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience solution at scale.“Our customers come to Bunnings with projects big and small, and Buddy is designed to help make those projects easier to plan and get started,” Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider said.“Buddy” is designed to act like a helpful Bunnings team member, with the ability to take a photographed, handwritten shopping list and find all the listed products to add to the customer’s cart.Bunnings chief information officer Genevieve Elliott with ‘Buddy’, the hardware giant’s new AI-powered shopping agent. Picture: SuppliedBunnings new AI ‘Buddy’ can walk customers through entire projects from start to finish and make helpful suggestions. Picture: BunningsFor ambitious shoppers planning something bigger, the AI can walk customers through entire projects from start to finish, make helpful suggestions, estimate the cost of the project and connect shoppers with local tradies.The AI draws on Bunnings’ expansive library of “how-to” guides and the expertise of actual team members.Vice President of Google Cloud Australia & New Zealand Paul Migliorini said the technology meets customers “right where they are”.“AI is at its most powerful when it’s solving everyday problems, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside an iconic Australian brand like Bunnings to bring that to life,” he said.“Buddy” is rolling out on the Bunnings website this week, replacing the existing ‘Ask Bunnings AI’ tool. Initially available to select visitors, broader access will follow in the coming weeks.Plans include voice functionality and a New Zealand rollout later in 2026.Bunnings says “Buddy” is designed to complement in-store team members, not replace them, giving customers more options for how they access advice.Read related topics:BunningsGoogleMore related storiesRetail‘Projectile’: Kmart product’s huge hazardA popular drink bottle sold across Australian Target and Kmart stores has been recalled after a serious hazard was detected.Read moreTravel Updates‘Toughest’: Plea to Easter holiday-makersAustralia’s peak accommodation body has issued an urgent plea for Easter travellers not to cancel their plans as the country’s fuel crisis continues to bite.Read moreCostsReal cost of Aussie Easter revealedAustralians are facing a record financial hit from holiday surcharges at cafes and restaurants, as penalty rates force some businesses to pass on the extra costs.Read more