Walmart wants to use blockchain to make shopping 'smarter'

Rage Comment : A recently published patent application from Walmart shows that the company plans to use the advantages of blockchain technology to create an intelligent package delivery tracking system. In fact, the application of blockchain in the supply chain has obviously attracted the attention of many retail giants. These large companies hope to use blockchain to better track logistics, ensure the transparency of the delivery process, make consumers more assured, and make their own business processes more efficient.

Translation: Ina

Retail giant Walmart is looking to use blockchain technology to create a smarter tracking system for package deliveries, a patent filing suggests.

In a patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) last Thursday, Walmart described the concept of a "smart package" that uses a device to record information on the blockchain, including package contents, environmental conditions, location, etc. The document also noted that "smart packages" can also be used in conjunction with other emerging technologies, such as "unmanned" technologies such as drones.

The patent application was first filed in August 2017 and builds on a patent application Walmart filed last year for a blockchain-based drone package delivery tracking system.

Walmart explains in its patent application that online shopping has created shipping challenges for retailers, particularly when it comes to delivering perishable products that require temperature control, and that further innovation is needed.

Walmart wrote in its application:

“These online customers often purchase products that need to be kept under certain temperature conditions and further require that the shipping packaging of these products be safer.”

The application states that the blockchain component will be encrypted into the device and will contain "key addresses during the package delivery process, such as the seller's private key address, the courier's private key address, and the buyer's private key address."

In addition to drone deliveries, Walmart is also looking to apply blockchain technology to other areas of its business.

Last year, Walmart joined Kroger, Nestle and other food companies in partnering with IBM to use blockchain to improve food traceability. It also backed a similar initiative in China in December along with JD.com.