Americans should soon not be surprised to see a drone flying through the air delivering a parcel. Walmart, the US supermarket chain, has sought permission from aviation authorities to test drones. The Americans want to use the unmanned aircraft for home deliveries and parcel collection. Consumers would only have to pick up or drop off their order at the doorstep. This was reported by the international news agency Reuters.
Testing has already begun
Walmart has already started experimenting with the drones in a secure environment in recent months. By seeking permission from aviation authorities, the world's largest retailer is signalling their plans to expand further and deploy them for the consumer market. Walmart sees a lot of opportunity and potential in the new way of delivering let a spokesperson tell Reuters. "There is a Walmart within five miles of seventy per cent of the US population. That creates some unique and interesting opportunities for serving customers with drones."
Not the first company
Should Walmart actually get permission to deliver and pick up orders by drones, they are not the first company to do so. Amazon has long had its own service that uses unmanned aerial vehicles.
Drones not without danger
The use of drones by companies, as well as individuals, is not entirely without danger. Proper regulations for the use of drones are currently lacking. Commercial use is even still prohibited, but companies can qualify for an exemption. As such, Walmart is still in the waiting room and will hear within three months whether it will get permission to expand testing.
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