In what has been described as a world-first, Alphabet’s Wing, an offshoot of Google, has partnered with US retail giant Walmart to make unmanned drone deliveries in Dallas, Texas. The world’s largest retailer is the first to partner with Wing for a consumer drone delivery service and enables people to order general merchandise, over the counter medicines, and grocery order with the Drone Delivery System.
Wing developed a unique air traffic control system to ensure the unmanned craft were able to navigate airspace safely and arrive at their destination without any disruptions.
Walmart customers are able to download the Walmart app and establish their initial delivery zones. When an order is made, the drone will be launched from a warehouse and head to the consumer’s house with real-time tracking updates. Customers will then be able to pick up their orders directly from the craft.
This isn’t Wing’s first foray into commercialized delivery services. In Australia, Wing delivery drones have been making regular deliveries to homes since 2019. According to the Flight Path Report, the company delivers items such as over the counter medicines, snack foods, and small household items such as toothpaste and shampoo for retailers including Bunnings, Angus & Robertson, and Dominos.
However, the partnership between Alphabet’s Wing and Walmart is the first of its kind in the US and is a giant leap forward for the technology. It is yet another example of the growing impact of drone use for commercial business.
For Alphabet’s Wing, the Walmart partnership serves as an ideal platform to showcase its technology to the world. The success of the delivery systems has the potential to make drones a vital part of our day-to-day lives. If successful, this could open up many more possibilities for drone deliveries in various regions.
The partnership between Walmart and Alphabet’s Wing is a step forward for drone delivery technology. The success of this venture is set to pave the way for more innovation in the field and could be the beginning of a surge in consumer potential.