DroneUp has completed hundreds of drone deliveries from Walmart stores. Credit: © Walmart.

US-based retailer Walmart is boosting its efforts to develop a last-mile delivery solution by investing in drone services provider DroneUp.

A Virginia based start-up, DroneUp provides authorised government drone services for 11 US states serving public sector organisations, as well as operating commercially across the country.

Last year, the two companies partnered to pilot deliveries of at-home Covid-19 self-collection kits. Since then, hundreds of deliveries have been sent out from Walmart stores via drones.

Walmart US CEO and president John Furner said: “DroneUp operates an on-demand drone delivery network that matches their database of more than 10,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified pilots to missions nationwide.

“Since partnering with DroneUp last year, we’ve valued their technological expertise, world-class operations, experienced management team and commitment to helping the FAA ensure the highest levels of safety with every delivery.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Walmart currently has more than 4,700 stores, which house more than 100,000 of its most-purchased items.

Last September, the retailer established a partnership with drone delivery service provider Zipline to trial a new service.

The service was tested in the US, serving from Walmart stores to distances of 50 miles.

In the same month, the retailer started a pilot with Flytrex’s automated drones in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

As part of the pilot, the partners focused on delivering select grocery and household essential items from Walmart stores.

Earlier this year, Walmart invested in General Motors subsidiary Cruise after partnering with the company to pilot self-driving delivery in Scottsdale, Arizona.

As part of the programme, the retailer will deliver some of its groceries and other items by a small fleet of all electric-powered, driverless cars, starting early next year.

The drones are controlled via the Cloud using an easy-to-use smart dashboard.