Walmart recently launched pilot programs to use drones to deliver groceries, household essentials and health and wellness products.
On Sept. 22, the company further expanded its experimental drone fleet to deliver at-home COVID-19 test kits. Walmart partnered with DroneUp and Quest Diagnostics to launch trials in North Las Vegas and Cheektowaga, N.Y.
To qualify, patients must live in a single-family residence within a one-mile radius of designated Walmart Supercenters. DroneUp’s quadcopters will drop off the kits in the patient's driveway, front sidewalk or backyard.
After the customer performs the nasal swab, the sample is sent to Quest Diagnostics for testing using a prepaid shipping label. Walmart says customers won’t be charged for delivery or the kit cost.
The drone pilot projects will not only serve the surrounding communities, but provide valuable insight into drone delivery logistics.
