Over the last decade, traditional brick-and-mortar retailers have been compelled to innovate rapidly to keep pace with online retail behemoths like Amazon and Walmart. Many of these retailers are adapting their retail operations to modern demands—offering services like free one- to three-day delivery or same-day pickup from their physical stores.
Despite these improvements, the pressure to match the logistics prowess of these online giants remains immense. Their capabilities often allow them to deliver customer orders on the same day. However, a new era of retail logistics is dawning—one where customers may soon receive their orders within just 30 minutes.[1]
This week's New Tech Tuesday explores Walmart’s innovative approach to drone delivery, which is set to redefine the speed and convenience of retail logistics.
In a previous edition of New Tech Tuesdays, we discussed how drone technology is revolutionizing smart farming, particularly with a focus on enhancing pig breeding practices and addressing agricultural challenges in Rwanda.
Central to this technological revolution have been providers of autonomous delivery systems. One such provider, Zipline, performs FAA-approved operations[2] and has completed over a million commercial drone deliveries in partnerships with companies such as Panera Bread, Memorial Hermann Health System, Jet's Pizza, and now Walmart.[3] Walmart's partnership with Zipline extends across major US metropolitan areas such as Seattle, Houston, Detroit, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.[4]
The partnership allows Walmart to explore how drone deliveries can adapt to diverse property conditions. A critical aspect of this is calibrating the drone's light detection and ranging (lidar) system so it can generate accurate three-dimensional maps of the property’s terrain (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Commercial drone pilot calibrating the lidar module prior to surveying a residential property for future retail deliveries. (Source: Author)
The drones' lidar systems emit near-infrared laser pulses that measure distances to common residential objects like parked vehicles, decks, chimneys, grills, toys, and landscaping shrubs and trees (Figure 2 and Figure 3).
Figure 2: Lidar and GPS modules mounted on surveying drone being prepared for flight. (Source: Author)
Figure 3: Zipline's drone inflight systems include lidar, GPS, cameras, and sensors to map the terrain below. (Source: Author)
Imagine the convenience for customers: placing an online order and having it delivered by drone within an hour. This capability represents a significant leap forward in logistics, offering a level of flexibility and responsiveness that mirrors “just-in-time” manufacturing processes. Whether it’s a critical part for a DIY project or a last-minute ingredient for dinner, drone delivery can bring it to your doorstep almost instantly.
This week's New Tech Tuesday spotlights the KYOCERA AVX 9289-000 series wire-to-wire connector, which offers several features ideal for use in building drones.
KYOCERA AVX's 9289-000 series is a one-piece, three-way, waterproof, wire-to-wire connector designed for high-reliability applications, particularly in harsh environments. This UL-approved and RoHS-compliant connector has a robust construction, simple strip-and-poke-in insertion, and twisting wire extraction to ensure a secure and moisture-resistant connection. This makes these connectors suitable for drones that must operate under varying weather conditions, in addition to being beneficial for in-field installation or repairs. Its compact, space-saving design compared to two-piece solutions and easy assembly enhance the overall reliability and durability of drone systems, reducing maintenance needs and improving flight safety. By providing a stable electrical connection of up to 10A and 300VAC (RMS) or DC equivalent, this connector supports the seamless integration of critical systems within the drone and ensures optimal performance and reliability.
Drone technology is on the brink of transforming retail logistics, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in delivery speeds. With Walmart's strategic partnership with Zipline, customers could soon experience a new standard of service, where 30-minute deliveries become the norm. This leap in delivery efficiency, powered by advanced lidar systems and comprehensive navigation technologies, signals a major shift in the logistics industry. As Zipline's Platform 2 expands, the retail sector is set to embrace an era of unprecedented efficiency, convenience, and environmental sustainability.
Sources:
[1] https://wing.com/walmart/ [2] https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-authorizes-zipline-deliver-commercial-packages-beyond-line-sight [3] https://www.flyzipline.com/newsroom/news/announcements/zipline-makes-one-millionth-commercial-autonomous-drone-delivery-and-expands-u-s-deliveries-to-include-panera-bread-memorial-hermann-health-system-and-jet-s-pizza [4] https://www.flyzipline.com/newsroom/stories/articles/our-next-flight-with-walmart
Rudy Ramos brings 35+ years of expertise in advanced electromechanical systems, robotics, pneumatics, vacuum systems, high voltage, semiconductor manufacturing, military hardware, and project management. Rudy has authored technical articles appearing in engineering websites and holds a BS in Technical Management and an MBA with a concentration in Project Management. Prior to Mouser, Rudy worked for National Semiconductor and Texas Instruments..