Facebook has announced that it has acquired AI visual shopping and artificial intelligence startup GrokStyle Inc. in a move to bolster the social-media company’s own AI work. GrokStyle’s technology is integrated into popular Ikea’s mobile app. When a user takes a picture of a piece of furniture, the technology would match it to similar products that could be purchased online.
On the company’s website, GrokStyle.com said it is “winding down” its business and it is “moving on as a team” along with its technology. The GrokStyle company didn’t disclose that it is joining Facebook. Facebook can use GrokStyle’s AI technology and employees to bolster its own efforts in the field.
The startup’s specific technology also makes sense for the Facebook Marketplace, the company’s service for buying and selling items from other Facebook users on its social network. Earlier this month, the company bought the team behind blockchain technology company Chain space for an undisclosed sum.
