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Walmart Drones

Walmart becomes latest retailer to test home delivery drones

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By John Glenday, Reporter

October 27, 2015 | 1 min read

Walmart has become the latest business to turn its attention to drone deliveries after the big box retailer announced it was seeking permission from US regulators to conduct outdoor drone research.

Walmart, Drones

Following similar moves from Amazon and Google the trials will investigate how the technology can be employed for deliveries, pick-up and inventory management and follows a number of indoor trials of the technology.

Should this prove successful it would allow the world’s biggest retailer to make efficiencies in its mammoth distribution network by automating the process of shifting stock between warehouses and even transporting items directly to customer’s homes.

Walmart spokesman Dan Toporek said: “Drones have a lot of potential to further connect our vast network of stores, distribution centers, fulfillment centers and transportation fleet. There is a Walmart within five miles of 70 per cent of the US population, which creates some unique and interesting possibilities for serving customers with drones.“

Commercial drone operations are currently banned in the US save for specific exemptions but the Federal Aviation Administration is set to finalise regulations for their operation within the next year.

Walmart Drones

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