Walmart drone delivery is coming to New Orleans
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Drones could start dropping off Walmart packages in New Orleans later this year.
Why it matters: Drone delivery would bring a new form of on-demand retail service to New Orleans as local leaders are grappling with how to regulate emerging technologies, including autonomous vehicles, advanced drones and AI-powered surveillance tools.
The big picture: The retail giant and drone delivery company Wing are expanding service to New Orleans as part of a plan to reach more than 40 million customers by 2027.
- Walmart's drone delivery is available in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Charlotte. It's in the works for St. Louis, Orlando, Los Angeles and Miami, among others.
- On Tuesday, Wing confirmed it will expand to New Orleans, Memphis and five other metros.
When it lands in New Orleans, groceries and other products could arrive at homes, apartments and offices within 30 minutes.
How it works: Customers within the service range can select the drone delivery option on Walmart's app or website or place an order using Wing's app.
- They'll confirm their delivery spot, like the backyard or driveway.
- Employees will pick and pack the products and load them into the drone for delivery.
- The drone, which flies up to 60 mph, will lower the package to the ground for the customer to pick up. Watch the video.
The fine print: The service is typically available for people who live within 6-8 miles of a participating store and for orders that weigh 2.1 pounds or less, according to Walmart.
What we're watching: Walmart expects to launch drone delivery here by 2027, but it's unclear what stores will be included.
- Wing also says it will work closely with city leaders and community members before launching to "evaluate regional needs."
- The company also coordinates with the FAA to get the proper permissions, according to a statement.
State of play: Drone deliveries are arriving as New Orleans officials are already wrestling with how to regulate a wave of new technologies.
- On Wednesday, City Council members are expected to start discussions about how to regulate self-driving cars like Waymo. The company has been testing operations in New Orleans and hopes to launch here this year.
- City Council and French Quarter leaders also approved a new type of police drone that doesn't require line-of-sight control. It's modeled after Jefferson Parish's program, which is among the largest in the country.
- Conversations are also ongoing about how to utilize AI-powered facial recognition technology, such as what Project NOLA uses primarily downtown.