Last-Mile Drone Deliveries Begin at 3 Walmart Locations

Drone technology and services provider DroneUp is partnering with Walmart on the first multisite commercial drone delivery operations for eligible Walmart customers, said the companies. Flights began Monday from three Walmart locations in Northwest Arkansas, operating 12 hours daily, seven days a week, to deliver items by air in 30 minutes or less, they said. When Walmart invested in DroneUp earlier this year, “we envisioned a drone delivery operation that could be quickly executed and replicated across multiple stores," said Tom Ward, Walmart U.S. senior vice president-last mile. “Opening our first hub within months of our initial concept showcases DroneUp's ability to safely execute drone delivery operations with speed.” Initial customer feedback at the first site in Farmington, Arkansas, has been “great,” and Walmart looks forward “to opening additional locations," he said.