Runner AI Unveils First Self-Optimizing Ecommerce Engine

Runner AI announced the launch of the industry’s first AI-native, self-optimizing ecommerce engine. This new platform aims to autonomously test, learn, and optimize conversion rates without human intervention. The unveiling took place on January 29, 2026, in San Francisco, CA. The engine’s core goal is to continuously experiment and maximize sales for online merchants.

What Happened

Runner AI officially launched its new ecommerce engine, built with an AI-native architecture. This innovative system combines conversational storefront generation with a self-optimizing backend. The engine continually experiments to improve sales performance. Runner AI’s approach contrasts with traditional AI tools that often focus solely on the initial build phase. It challenges the “launch and abandon” model by treating the storefront as a living experiment.

Details From Sources

Autonomous Conversion Optimization

The Runner AI ecommerce engine constantly analyzes user behavior, including clicks and scrolls. It automatically initiates A/B tests on content, layouts, and checkout flows 24/7. This autonomous conversion optimization also dynamically customizes the user journey. Customizations are based on visitor campaigns, traffic sources, or user profiles.

From Prompts to Full-Stack Store

Users can launch a complete, conversion-ready storefront and backend by interacting with AI using natural language prompts. This comprehensive solution includes design, checkout logic, and inventory systems. It enables businesses to launch operations without writing any code.

App-Free Feature Activation

Store owners can add any ecommerce feature by requesting it via chat. This includes functionalities such as reviews, pop-ups, upsells, and SEO optimization. The platform natively integrates these capabilities, eliminating the need for separate plugin installations.

Founder’s Perspective

Weizhi Li, Founder and CEO of Runner AI, commented on the platform’s objectives. Li stated, “Ecommerce merchants shouldn’t need to be technical architects or pay ‘app taxes’ to run a competitive store. We built an AI-native engine where the store creates hypotheses, runs A/B tests, and improves its own conversion rates autonomously.”

Why This Matters

Merchants face significant challenges in building and optimizing competitive online stores. Advanced Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) has historically been a luxury, available primarily to large enterprises due to high costs and complexity. The Runner AI ecommerce engine democratizes access to enterprise-grade growth tools. It automates the entire store lifecycle and embeds autonomous optimization. This shifts the paradigm from website management to owning a self-improving business. Entrepreneurs can then focus on brand development.

Background Context

Many current AI tools in ecommerce often create static websites after launch. Traditional A/B testing and CRO remain manual, costly, and complex for most merchants. Storefronts frequently remain static, relying on intuition rather than data-driven insights. This often leads to missed revenue opportunities.

Future Implications (SPECULATIVE)

Runner AI aims to “shake the foundations of the traditional retail stack” and “usher in the era of autonomous ecommerce.” The company seeks to build “the intelligent infrastructure that defines the future of online business.”

Conclusion

Runner AI offers an innovative, growth-driving ecommerce platform available immediately for merchants. This AI-native technology aims to redefine online business operations through advanced automation. For more information about the platform, visit runnerai.com.

FAQ

• Q1: What is the primary innovation introduced by Runner AI?
  A1: Runner AI has unveiled the industry’s first AI-native ecommerce engine, designed to autonomously test, learn, and optimize conversion rates to maximize sales without human intervention.
• Q2: How does Runner AI’s engine differ from existing AI tools for ecommerce?
  A2: Unlike most AI tools that create static websites, Runner AI treats the storefront as a living experiment, continuously running A/B tests on layouts, copy, and user flows 24/7 to actively improve profitability.
• Q3: What are the three core advantages offered by the Runner AI platform?
  A3: The platform provides Autonomous Conversion Optimization, the ability to launch a Full-Stack Store from Prompts, and App-Free Feature Activation, allowing comprehensive store management and enhancement via chat.
• Q4: Who founded Runner AI?
  A4: Runner AI was founded by a core team of former Google DeepMind engineers and ecommerce industry veterans.
• Q5: In which city is Runner AI headquartered?
  A5: Runner AI is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.