Walmart Might Get Into the Farming Drone Business

[DooKey]

Walmart applied for 6 patents last year that relate to drones in the agriculture business. One of the patents is for a drone that can do the work of bee to ensure pollination of crops and another can watch for pests and then get the right kind of pesticide on the crop. Since 56% of their total revenue comes from grocery sales it's easy to see why they are interested in farming drones. Time will tell whether or not these patents become products, but if anyone has the wherewithal to do it it's Walmart.

The market for agricultural drones will top $1 billion by 2024, up from about $338 million in 2016, according to research firm Global Market Insights. However, Walmart’s patent applications stand out because they indicate the company sees greater potential to address problems on farms, rather than simply spot them, said David Dvorak, chief executive officer for Field of View, a U.S. company that sells drone camera systems. “It sounds like Walmart is trying to develop a complete system that can actually do something about it,” Dvorak said.

 

[Rahh]

Yep, this spells doom. Guarantee this interferes with insects that are supposed to be doing this in the first place. What will happen when drones kill off acres upon acres of natural order?

 

[Twisted Kidney]

Yep, this spells doom. Guarantee this interferes with insects that are supposed to be doing this in the first place. What will happen when drones kill off acres upon acres of natural order?

Oh pshaw! We use purpose built toxic chemicals to do that job. We're far too thorough to rely on a happy accident to EXTERMINATE. EXTERMINATE. EXTERMINATE.

 

[katanaD]

if they can actually use drones to reduce needed fertilizer and also do pollination, that would be exciting.