Walmart's drone delivery plan includes blockchain
Walmart is finally doing it! They have submitted a patent application to start a drone delivery system that concentrates on how packages will be delivered. Instead of just receiving parcels to your doorstep, drones would drop your packages into secure boxes, like lockers that communicate with the drone.
The application describes a smorgasbord of advanced technology that could be used to guarantee a secure drop-off, including geofencing and a blockchain for package tracking and identification purposes.
Just like most patent applications, Walmart's "Unmanned Aerial Delivery system to Secure Location" is jam-packed with redundant language, ambiguous line drawings, buzz words, and ample legal jargon. Still, the basic premise is clear: a delivery system that can includes a robotic vehicle that communicates with a secure locker.
A lot of retailers and logistics providers are seeking to be a part of the drone delivery systems, bitcoin news site Coindesk points out that this plan stands out because it uses blockchain technology which is very useful.
We are always hearing about the word blockchain -- the secure digital ledger that underpins bitcoin -- will disrupt office work and eliminate the middle man in many industries by shifting the trust from an entity to software. Walmart aims to use blockchains to streamline operations by tracking physical items like parcels/packages.
Drones would carry packages, and once they come close enough to the delivery box (as defined by geofencing or wireless communication technology), the box would there fore automatically unlock itself and open robotically.
For the added level of security and more precise tracking, blockchain technology could also be included. This could be especially helpful for sensitive or fragile deliveries such as food, flowers, and medical products.
This is just one small example of how blockchains could be used for logistics to deliver packeages automatically .
It seems like the inevitable confrontation brewing between Walmart and Amazon is going to be bigger than Maywheather vs. McGregor. Walmart is actually looking into expanding on some uses of blockchain like a blockchain based database that log delivery date, temperature, courier and customer and data related to other intermediaries along the package route.
Walmart was already using blockchain back in 2016, when they partnered with IBM to track pork shipments to China. One aspect of ordering packages with bitcoin that I don't see Walmart really taking advantage of here is the possibility of maintaining anonymity from purchase to delivery. It will be interesting to see how this evolves, especially with how fast Amazon is moving in this space.
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Thanks for your info!
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Of course. Stay steeming.
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Thanks and you too!
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What a world we live in !
Imagine ordering something and a local warehouse, has it on a drone and near you in minutessay at your phone location at a pre inspected drop zone: talk about service Wow
takeout of all sorts etc......
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Thanks for your comment. Totally agree, it would be so cool...
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