Drone deliveries of groceries have begun this week from Kroger’s Centerville, Ohio store, reports the Dayton Daily News. The retailer worked with Drone Express to test the drone flights.
“While of course we’re all very excited about the drone piece, I think it’s one part of a larger narrative of how Kroger is really reacting to what customers are asking for and giving them that product anytime that they want, anywhere that they are,” said Erin Rolfes, a spokeswoman for Kroger.
According to Rolfes, for this first pilot program, the flights will be of no charge. However, there will be a charge at some point, but Rolfes didn’t provide a date for that.
The drones can carry about five pounds worth of items and pilots will oversee the drones as they fly to customer’s homes.
“Right now, per FAA guidance, we’re only flying the drone to deliver within one mile of the store,” Rolfes said.
Beth Flippo, principal engineer for Drone Express, said the company has about 10 pilots working in Monroe and Centerville currently, who work in shifts at the Centerville store and cover nights and weekends. Full Story
Related: Kroger Hopes to Hire 10,000 Associates; Kroger Tests Drone Delivery.
Image: Kroger