Walmart announces drone delivery trial using Zipline tech
Walmart has greenlit another drone delivery trial in the US.
It is teaming up with Zipline to launch a “first of its kind operation in the US”. The service will make deliveries of select health and wellness products with the potential to expand to general merchandise.
A trial will take place near Walmart’s HQ here in Northwest Arkansas using Zipline’s technology. “Zipline will operate from a Walmart store and can service a 50 mile radius, which is about the size of the state of Connecticut,” says Tom Ward, Senior Vice President, Customer Product, Walmart.
“And, not only does their launch and release system allow for quick on-demand delivery in under an hour, but it also eliminates carbon emissions, which lines up perfectly with our sustainability goals. The operation will likely begin early next year, and, if successful, we’ll look to expand.”
Flytrex
Last week, Walmart announced a drone delivery pilot with Flytrex.
This has launched in Fayetteville, North Carolina and focuses on delivering select grocery and household essential items from Walmart stores.
