Artificial intelligence (AI) and reverse logistics hold the potential to greatly enhance the resilience of supply chain management (SCM) while fostering efficient resource utilization. Despite the growing interest in AI, research exploring its application in reverse logistics within SCM still needs to be completed. This study addresses the call for further exploration of AI's role in SCM and highlights possible directions for future research on AI integration in reverse logistics. It examines AI's impact on essential aspects of reverse logistics, emphasizing its potential to enhance various processes. As an emerging technology, AI significantly shapes business opportunities and operational methods. The study delves into AI’s influence on the roles and workflows associated with reverse logistics, underscoring its advantages. Through a conceptual approach, the research assesses AI's implications by leveraging existing SCM and reverse logistics studies. The findings suggest that AI brings considerable benefits across all stages of reverse logistics, though its effectiveness depends on the specific technology employed. While this study provides a structured analysis of AI’s contributions to reverse logistics, it acknowledges the need for further research, particularly in the broader SCM context.