Five years ago, Walmart revealed its interest in drones. The most recent pilot scheme was close to its headquarters in Arkansas.
Walmart plans to expand its drone network to 34 new locations by the end of the year, taking in a number of Walmart stores in Arizona, Florida, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
Walmart is working with a Virginia-based company to build a delivery platform.
The retail giant said the move will allow it to reach four million U.S. households and deliver as many as one million packages by drone each year. With the aircraft only flying to customer addresses up to 1.5 miles from each store, it may be a while before those numbers are fully realized.
Customers who are part of the pilot scheme will be able to use a mobile app to order from a list of thousands of items between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with delivery guaranteed within 30 minutes. A delivery fee of $3.99 will be charged if the package is under 10 pounds.
An ordered item will be loaded onto the drone at the store's hub and sent on its way. On reaching the customer's address, the drone will use a cable to lower the item into their yard or nearby spot for collection.
Walmart said in a release that it has seen firsthand how drones can offer customers a practical solution for getting certain items, fast.
It was found that people are using the service for more general items due to the convenience of the service.
A team of certified pilots will run the drone hub at Walmart stores that are selected for drone deliveries. Walmart's delivery flights are not autonomously piloted and must take place in the line of sight of the pilot at all times.
The scope of the service is severely impacted by the fact that drones can only fly as far as 1.5 miles from a Walmart store. It could be some time before long-distance services are available because of the extra FAA safety regulations. Digital Trends reached out to Walmart to learn more about its plans for drones and we will update this article when we hear back.
Walmart said that it will offer local businesses and organizations other drone services, including aerial photography for constructions sites, emergency response flights, and more.
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