‘Do I need pizzas delivered by drones?’: Ursula questions drone deliveries as Walmart plans Seattle expansion

Walmart and delivery partner Wing plan to bring drone deliveries to the Seattle area in 2027. Initial project filings identify proposed operations at Walmart stores in Federal Way and Tacoma, with local permitting still underway.

The announcement prompted co-host Ursula Reutin and fill-in host Angela Poe Russell to discuss limits on the service during “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, with both supporting some uses while questioning widespread deliveries of everyday purchases.

“I’m going to say yes on a limited basis. Like maybe there is a ceiling on how many they can use and for what,” Angela said. “I don’t like the idea of putting delivery drivers out of work or the idea of having all the buzzing and the accidents that can happen.”

Angela supports deliveries for urgent needs

Angela described circumstances in which she would welcome a drone delivery.

“In a case where something needs to be delivered quickly, and traffic is an issue, like if it’s medication or something, that’s really important,” she said. “Let’s use it as a tool, but with a framework that makes sense, on a limited basis. That’s where I stand.”

Ursula agreed that the technology could serve useful purposes, despite her initial reluctance.

“There was a time when I said the whole idea of drone delivery, I don’t like it. I don’t like the idea of flying cars. I don’t like using cruise control,” she said. “I just like to have control of this, control of that. Technology has its great advantages, and I think that there are uses and purposes that would be fantastic for drone delivery. Medications, I think, as you mentioned.”

Ursula calls for rules on drone deliveries

Wing said its aircraft can carry up to 5 pounds and travel at speeds up to 60 mph. Eligible customers will be able to select drone delivery when ordering through Walmart.

Ursula raised questions about noise and effects on wildlife before comparing the technology’s expansion with artificial intelligence.

“There’s so many things that I love about AI, but I think we do need to have regulations and guardrails because you can see where it’s already run away,” she said. “And the same thing for me would be with drone delivery. I mean, it’s kind of a cool idea. Do I need to have pizzas delivered by drones? No.”

Delivery problems raise customer service questions

KIRO producer Paul Holden asked who would be accountable if a drone damaged an order. Angela compared that concern with her experiences using delivery apps.

“I’ve been unable to get adequate customer service. It seems like every time I’ve used it, there’s been a problem with the order,” Angela said. “I feel like the accountability is gone unless you order directly from the company, like a pizza, and you can call them on the phone.”

Walmart’s published drone delivery guidance directs customers to its app for returns, with separate vendor apps used for orders from vendor-operated sites. The company said packages are lowered by cable to a designated location that customers must keep clear of people and pets.

Ursula returned to the question of how frequently drones should operate.

“I think we would need to have specific regulations, and I don’t know what’s going on in other cities because this is already happening,” she said.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.