On Tuesday a representative of Wing Drone Delivery told the Maplewood City Council how its drones could deliver goods from the Maplewood Walmart. See the presentation at the beginning of the meeting Youtube.
From her presentation:
No photos are taken and there is no live video feed. FAA trained pilots monitor the flights similar to an airport control tower does on radar.
The noise level is 43 decibels while cruising, and 62.6 in hover mode (while making deliveries—similar to an Amazon truck making a delivery).
Noise was one of the biggest concerns: Some residents said they live behind the Walmart, and the proximity and frequency of the flights would be a problem. Another said the sound frequency could make it louder, another said it would be louder between two brick homes. It was pointed out that Maplewood is very urban with homes close together.
The Wing rep said from the “nest” at the Walmart, the drones go straight up to 150-200 feet of altitude then go 55-60 MPH to the delivery, where it drops vertically to 25 feet, then delivers the (2-5 lb. package) by lowering with a cable. There could be 400-500 deliveries a day with up to 18 drones making the deliveries. No delivery drivers will lose their jobs. The delivery time would be 5-15 minutes. There would be no added cost to the product.
Products not delivered: tobacco, alcohol, nothing flammable.
Other concerns were: the effect on pets; the country of origin for the firmware; the impact on wildlife such as owls, birds and bats; the hours of the deliveries, have the drones ever been hacked? (No.) And can the decision be reversed if needed?
She gave two links for more information: wing.com/walmart; wing.com/safety
See also:
Fox 2 — Walmart to present drone delivery plans in St. Charles and Maplewood
KMOV — St. Charles City, Maplewood eye Walmart drone delivery
KSDK — Drone deliveries could soon arrive at Maplewood Walmart, raising resident concerns
St. Louis Post-Dispatch — Walmart, drone delivery company Wing face tough audience in Maplewood