Wal-Mart wants to test China drone for deliveries

A petition to the US Federal Aviation Administration from Wal-Mart revealed that the company wants to test drones for home delivery, similar to a proposal made by online competitor Amazon in 2013, according to Reuters. But unlike Amazon, which has developed its own UAVs, Wal-Mart has been running tests with DJI's Phantom 3 and S900. Wal-Mart is the first major company to make such a proposal since Amazon, putting some legs on an idea that has hitherto seemed like a remote possibility because of regulatory limitations.

Under the current FAA regulations, Wal-Mart’s less problematic proposal involves using drones for taking stock of items in parking lots and warehouses via electronic tagging, among other methods not mentioned in the report. The Reuters story also points out that Wal-Mart would like to test drones for grocery pickup.

Companies appear to be pushing for more freedom in drone use, which could open up many new applications of the technology. In the US, companies have been largely restricted by regulations on commercial drones. Since allowing companies to apply for exemptions, the FAA has approved more than 2,100 requests. Rules still require drones to stay within an operator’s line of sight, however, which limits the possibility of automated drone deliveries. Still, the market is evolving and new capability of drones, especially those coming out of China, is increasing awareness in foreign markets.