In-fridge delivery being trialled

Giant US retailer Walmart is testing new delivery ideas for groceries. One idea being tested is delivering the groceries into customers’ fridges when they are not at home. The company is partnering with smart locks and smart home accessories supplier August Home.

A Walmart ‘Deliv’ driver will deliver the groceries to the customer. If the doorbell isn’t answered, the driver will access a pre-authorised, one-time password and open the house’s smart lock. The customer receives a smartphone notification that the delivery is occurring from the moment their doorbell is rung. The customer can also use an August app that will enable them to see the entire delivery process through their home security cameras. Once the delivery has been completed, the customer will receive confirmation that their door has been closed and locked.

The first trials are being run test in Silicon Valley with a small group of August Home customers.