Walmart – the US-based multinational retail corporation – has reportedly applied for a patent to authorized their blockchain-powered drone communication system.

Specifically, Walmart submitted its application to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on August 1. Per the filing, the drone will be carrying a system which was specifically designed to provide storage and encryption for said drone’s operational parameters. The parameters will then be transferred to a second drone for decrypting, read and configuration.

Fundamentally, the drone-based, vehicle-to-vehicle communication solution looks to receive and pass on messages, engage communications as well as provide detailed location and bearings to another machine.

Walmart has taken initiatives to obtain patents for operating blockchain-based solutions 2 years ago. Specifically, it has submitted a patent application for a system – dubbed “Unmanned Aerial Delivery to Secure Location.” – in 2017. 

In early 2019, Walmart formed a collaboration with IBM and the American Food and Drug Administration to utilize blockchain tech for pharmaceutical shipments tracking process. 

The retail heavyweight also aims to set foot in the crypto world, with a patent for its self-developed digital coin has been submitted in July.