Supermarket giant Asda, owned by Walmart, has applied to regulators to get permission to test drones for home deliveries.
Drones, which are unmanned aircrafts, are being tested indoors by Walmart, however the company are now looking to test the drones outside. Walmart are asking the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if it can research drone use in “deliveries to customers at Walmart facilities, as well as consumers’ homes”.
As well as deliveries, the drones will also be used to remove products off trucks outside its warehouses to help its distribution system.
Rules to bring in commercial use for the drones are set to be finalised within the next year, which is faster than planned, according to deputy administrator Michael Whitaker.
Dan Toporel, a spokesman for WalMart, said: "Drones have a lot of potential to further connect our vast network of stores, distribution centers, fulfillment centers and transportation fleet. There is a Walmart within five miles of 70% of the US population, which creates some unique and interesting possibilities for serving customers with drones."
The FAA applications states that Walmart hopes to test the drones on its grocery pick-up service, as well as home deliveries in small, residential areas.
