Walmart Expands Drone Delivery: First Look Revealed
Walmart has officially launched its grocery drone delivery service in Atlanta. This service, developed in collaboration with Wing, allows for quick delivery options for millions of shoppers in the metro area. During an exclusive look shared with El-Balad, Walmart introduced its drone nests, the hubs from which deliveries are dispatched.
About Walmart’s Drone Delivery Program
The retailer aims to revolutionize the last-minute delivery market, becoming the first to implement drone delivery across five states. This innovative delivery method was first announced in June and now includes plans to expand to additional cities.
Expansion Details
- Initial Launch City: Atlanta
- Future Locations: Houston, Charlotte, Tampa, and Orlando (starting early next year)
- Existing Areas: Dallas, Fort Worth (Texas) and Bentonville (Arkansas)
With the introduction of this service, Walmart is setting a new standard in the industry. Competitors like Amazon, with its new “ultra fast” Amazon Now delivery, as well as DoorDash, which is testing drones, are aware of this emerging trend.
How the Drone Delivery Works
Orders initiate via the Wing app, prompting the team to prepare the package for shipment. The drone can deliver items within a six-mile radius of a Walmart store, avoiding obstacles such as traffic and pedestrians. Upon arrival, the drone hovers around 150 yards above the delivery location to drop the package safely.
Drone Specifications
Walmart’s delivery drones offer several features:
- Weight Capacity: Up to 2.5 pounds
- Flight Time: Under five minutes to deliver
- Tracking: Customers can monitor delivery progress through the app
- Safety Measures: Adherence to FAA guidelines and obstacle detection sensors
So far, popular items delivered include medicine, ice cream, eggs, and small rotisserie chickens. As Walmart expands its drone delivery service, it aims to further enhance convenience and accessibility for customers nationwide.
