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☁️Google Cloud AI
May 29, 2026
Society & Culture

Cool stuff Google Cloud customers built, May edition: Agentic algorithms for supply chains; virtual try-on APIs; robotic camera operators & more

Overview

In May, Google Cloud highlighted innovative projects by its customers, showcasing how companies are leveraging cloud technology and AI to enhance operations. Notable examples include Urban Outfitters' migration to AlloyDB for improved order management, BASF's use of AlphaEvolve for supply chain optimization, and Breuninger's implementation of Virtual Try-On APIs.

Key Takeaways

  • Urban Outfitters improved its order management system by migrating to Google Cloud's AlloyDB, enhancing performance and reducing costs.
  • BASF utilized AlphaEvolve to create a digital twin of its supply chain, resulting in better decision-making and reduced error rates.
  • UKG is focusing on unifying workforce intelligence to streamline operations across its platforms.
  • WPP is training humanoid robot camera operators to enhance video production capabilities.
  • Breuninger successfully piloted Virtual Try-On APIs, transforming the online shopping experience.

Stats & Key Facts

  • #11TB Oracle database migrated to Google Cloud by Urban Outfitters
  • #BASF manages a network of 180 production sites with over 5,000 value chains

Urban Outfitters' Order Management Transformation

Urban Outfitters faced significant challenges with its order management system.

  • Migrated from an Oracle database to Google Cloud's AlloyDB for PostgreSQL.
  • Implemented a deployment architecture with two read replicas for low-latency access.
  • Achieved a more favorable total cost of ownership and enhanced performance.

Urban Outfitters, a popular clothing and home goods retailer, relied on IBM Sterling OMS as the core of its ecommerce operations. However, the existing 11TB Oracle database was becoming a bottleneck, prompting the need for an upgrade.

The migration to AlloyDB not only improved data strategy but also provided flexibility through an open-source ecosystem, eliminating vendor lock-in.

BASF's Supply Chain Optimization with AlphaEvolve

BASF Agricultural Solutions is revolutionizing its supply chain management.

  • Developed a digital twin of its supply chain using historical data.
  • Ran thousands of experiments to refine the algorithm for better accuracy.
  • The final algorithm reduced error rates significantly compared to initial models.

BASF manages a complex network of production sites and value chains, making local decisions that impact the entire operation. To enhance this process, BASF turned to AlphaEvolve on Google Cloud.

By simulating various scenarios and analyzing historical performance, BASF was able to create a clear, human-readable algorithm that optimizes asset utilization globally.

UKG's Workforce Intelligence Unification

UKG is enhancing its workforce management capabilities.

  • Focusing on a unification strategy to streamline workforce intelligence.
  • Aims to improve operational efficiency across its platforms.

UKG is implementing strategies to unify its workforce intelligence, allowing for better data integration and decision-making.

This initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency and provide valuable insights into workforce management.

WPP's Innovations in Video Production

WPP is pushing the boundaries of video production technology.

  • Training humanoid robot camera operators for enhanced production capabilities.
  • Exploring AI-driven solutions to streamline the video creation process.

WPP is leveraging AI to train humanoid robots that can operate cameras, which could revolutionize the video production industry.

This innovation aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of video content creation, making it more accessible.

Breuninger's Virtual Try-On Technology

Breuninger is transforming the online shopping experience with new technology.

  • Piloted Virtual Try-On APIs to allow customers to visualize products before purchase.
  • Enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction through innovative solutions.

Breuninger has implemented Virtual Try-On APIs, enabling customers to virtually try on clothing and accessories.

This technology not only enhances the shopping experience but also helps reduce return rates by allowing customers to make more informed choices.

Glance's Automated Video Production

Glance is revolutionizing video content creation.

  • Developed automated video clip generation tools.
  • Aims to simplify video production for businesses.

Glance is creating tools that automate the generation of video clips, making it easier for businesses to produce content.

This innovation is expected to save time and resources while maintaining high-quality video production standards.

Movix and Dental Aligners Production

Movix is improving dental aligner production processes.

  • Utilizing advanced technologies to enhance production efficiency.
  • Focusing on quality and precision in dental aligner manufacturing.

Movix is leveraging technology to optimize the production of dental aligners, ensuring high quality and efficiency.

This approach not only improves production timelines but also enhances the overall patient experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Google Cloud's role in these innovations?

Google Cloud provides the infrastructure and tools that enable companies to leverage AI and cloud technology for their projects.

How did Urban Outfitters benefit from migrating to AlloyDB?

The migration allowed Urban Outfitters to enhance performance, reduce costs, and gain flexibility through an open-source ecosystem.

What is AlphaEvolve and how does BASF use it?

AlphaEvolve is a tool that helps create digital twins of supply chains, allowing BASF to optimize its operations by simulating various scenarios.

What are Virtual Try-On APIs?

Virtual Try-On APIs enable customers to visualize how products will look on them before making a purchase, enhancing the online shopping experience.

What is the significance of automated video production?

Automated video production streamlines the content creation process, saving time and resources while maintaining quality.

These innovations illustrate the transformative power of cloud technology.

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Originally published by Google Cloud AI
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