Wing, Alphabet’s aviation subsidiary, has announced a partnership with Walmart to launch drone deliveries from a Walmart Supercenter in Frisco, TX. The service will initially be available to homes within six miles of the store, offering quick meals, groceries, essentials, and over-the-counter medicines. Wing’s drones are largely automated and can fly up to 65 mph, using a retractable tether to safely deliver even delicate items. The company plans to expand to a second location in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metro area before the end of the year, covering a total of 60,000 homes.
Wing’s technology allows operators to oversee the drone delivery system from a remote location, eliminating the need for pilots at stores or customer homes. The drones essentially fly themselves, enabling each operator to monitor multiple drones simultaneously. This partnership with Walmart follows Wing’s previous collaboration with Walgreens for drone deliveries in the DFW region. Walmart itself had launched its DroneUp delivery service, covering around four million households in several states. However, the retailer recently laid off 418 DroneUp employees, and the partnership with Wing provides an opportunity to enhance its drone delivery capabilities.
Residents in the DFW metroplex can check eligibility for the service by installing the Wing Drone Delivery app from the App Store or Google Play. By entering their address, users can determine if they are within the six-mile coverage area. The service aims to deliver items in under 30 minutes, offering convenience and efficiency to customers in the region. Wing also plans to expand its coverage to new neighborhoods in DFW soon, ensuring more residents can benefit from the innovative drone delivery service.