Walmart have filed for a number of blockchain-related patents over recent months, and it appears they have another ace in their pack having filed a new application on July 5th. Their “Delivery Reservation Apparatus and Method” will employ blockchain technology to enable the management of a new package delivery and reservation system.
Package delivery currently presents a logistical challenge for retailers as often purchases need to be signed for, and if customers aren’t at home this presents an issue for the courier. To address this issue inventors Bruce Wilkinson and Todd Mattingly developed the system for Walmart’s most recent patent application.
This latest development predicts the retailer building a network of delivery lockers, situated at residential locations, transport hubs or other convenient localities to enable customers to have items delivered which they are able to collect at their convenience. Blockchain technology will enable a central authority to track which lockers are available, and keep live records of past and future transactions on the system. According to the filing with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), each docking station will effectively act as “a node within a blockchain network.”
Walmart is the world’s largest company by revenue and owns and operates a host of other businesses including Sam’s Club, Asda and Seiyu Group. The multinational has been one of the most active retailers in embracing the blockchain revolution. In April they announced the development of a blockchain system for their live food business, recording dramatic improvements in the efficiency of tracking systems. To date the company have filed patents for a blockchain-based energy management network, a medical records system, and a used product resale scheme, with apparently yet more cutting edge blockchain tech still to come.
