Walmart has applied for 6 patents focused on farm automation, which includes using drones to identify pests attacking crops, monitoring crop damage, spray pesticides and pollinate crops. The technology would allow the company to better predict and control crop yields, and apply pesticides more selectively.
So what?
This appears to be an attempt by Walmart to better compete with Amazon, as well as manage more of its supply chain at the source and improving transparency. What does this rise in automotive farm technology mean for the future of farming?
Sources
https://www.cbinsights.com/research/walmart-farming-drones-patent/