Walmart Seeks Approval From Feds to Test Delivery Drones Outdoors

— -- Walmart wants to leverage the power of drones to help make deliveries, assist with pick-ups and to check on the retailer's distribution and fulfillment centers.

In a filing with the Federal Aviation Administration on Monday, Walmart, which is the world's largest retailer in terms of revenue, asked the regulatory agency for permission to conduct a variety of drone tests outdoors under controlled circumstances.

The company said it would like the opportunity to fly its drones outside on Walmart distribution center properties across the United States for the purpose of testing exterior surveillance and taking inventories of its trailers. Another scenario envisions drones delivering merchandise from a Walmart store to a point in the parking lot -- perhaps easing a heavy load for a customer.

In the eventuality that commercial drone delivery is approved by the FAA, Walmart is also taking steps to make sure it is ready to compete with Amazon, which has been pioneering the new delivery approach. The final scenario asks the FAA for permission to conduct tests in small residential neighborhoods as long as those living in the flight path agree. According to the filing, the goal of the tests would be to send a drone from a truck in the area, delivery a package safely and have the drone return for its next delivery.

Two models of Chinese-made DJI drones will be used for outdoor testing, according to the filing. Walmart said the opportunity for research and development as a potential boon to making the company's distribution system more efficient and better serving customers.

"Drones have a lot of potential to further connect our vast network of stores, distribution centers, fulfillment centers and transportation fleet," Walmart spokesman Dan Toporek said, according to the BBC. "There is a Walmart within five miles of 70 percent of the US population, which creates some unique and interesting possibilities for serving customers with drones."

According to the filing, Walmart has conducted indoor tests that demonstrate "the ability of Walmart to safely fly, control and maintain the UAS [unmanned aircraft systems] vehicles but also to demonstrate the capability of the UAS vehicles to land in small areas and touch and go, use cameras and the pickup and release of packages."

The FAA earlier this year granted Amazon permission to test its delivery drones during the daytime and only in clear weather conditions. The company is also required to keep its drones at an altitude of 400 feet or below, according to the FAA exemption.

Under the agreement, Amazon will also be held to strict reporting requirements and must send monthly reports to the FAA on the number of flights conducted, how long pilots flew and any malfunctions or deviations from air traffic controllers' instructions.