Sometimes, after my mom gets back from the grocery store, she remembers something she forgot to buy. Generally, it’s something she thinks is important. Like broccoli. Walmart drone delivery is perfect for filling in the gaps. It can deliver up to 20 lbs. of last minute groceries to your yard in around 30 minutes.
If you’re a student and like science and technology. Sometimes, you hope your mom did forget something important. And that’s really why we went to Bentonville, Arkansas, home of Walmart corporate offices to check out their new drone delivery systems.
Currently, there are two systems. The first is Zipline, which is a glider launched from a platform with a track-type system. You can see an example of what the company is doing to help the medical community in Rwanda by watching this moving Mark Rober video.
Zipline can only carry about 6 lbs. of weight at this time. When government regulations allow, that will increase. Zipline goes the farthest, but needs a larger area to drop. It drops the product with a parachute, which is less gentle. But they pack it really well. They are experimenting with a model with more accuracy, and anticipate being able to drop in a space the size of a dinner plate.
The second delivery system is Drone Up. While we learned about Zipline by asking questions, we got to experience a Drone Up delivery first-hand. Twice.
Drone Up is a quadcopter, like most drones you imagine, with redundant propellers, which means it actually has eight props. This is for safety. They deliver your product in a box lowered from the drone on a string.
The string is made of Kevlar for strength and being lightweight.
Go to Drone Up Delivery to find a list of Walmarts that currently are delivering. Maybe there’s one in your area. You can add your email address if you want to be notified when delivery is available in your area.
Eventually, the weight limit will go up to hopefully 50 lbs., but the government doesn’t allow it, yet.
It was quieter than you would expect. Delivery boxes can be recycled or returned to the store for re-use.
If you happen to visit Bentonville. You can experience a delivery outside the Walmart Museum. Ask them for details.
We are looking forward to a future deliver to our picnic table at our house!
Click here for a few more pictures and videos from our experience.
