Case Study: Drone Races

Walmart recently applied to U$.$S$.$ regulators for permission to test drones for home delivery, curbside pickup, and warehouse inventories, a sign it plans to go head$-$to$-$head with Amazon in using drones to fill and deliver online orders.

Walmart wants to start using drones in an effort to create a more efficient supply chain and connect its network of stores, distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and transportation fleet. The world$$s largest retailer by revenue has for several months been conducting indoor tests of small unmanned aircraft systems $($drones$)$ and is now seeking for the first time to test the machines outdoors. In addition to having drones take inventory of trailers outside its warehouses and perform other tasks aimed at making its distribution system more efficient, Walmart is asking the Federal Aviation Administration $($FAA$)$ for permission to research drone use in deliveries to customers at Walmart facilities, as well as to consumers$$ homes. The move comes as Amazon, Google, and other companies test drones in the expectation that the FAA will soon establish rules for their widespread commercial use.

Questions:

$1.$ In a pair, brainstorm three additional ways Walmart can use drones to create efficiencies in its supply chain.

$2.$ Choose another industry, such as fashion, food service, or sports, and identity three ways the industry can use drones to change its supply chain.