Walmart

Until now, most 3D-printed architecture has been focused on housing or research projects. However, the burgeoning technology has come to the retail sector in a big way with a new 3D-printed extension for Walmart.

Drones, driverless trucks and zippy little cargo pods could all feature as part of Walmart's future delivery services, and a new agreement with EV outfit Canoo brings another next-gen vehicle into the mix – the Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV).

Walmart is pressing ahead with its ambitions in aerial cargo transport, announcing plans to offer a same-day drone delivery service in six US states where goods will be dropped off in as little as 30 minutes.

Zipline has announced a new partnership with Walmart to conduct pilot trials using its drones to fulfil health and wellness orders in one hour, with hopes of expanding to general merchandise if the first runs are successful.

​Machines already play a part in the shopping experience for many, with self-checkout kiosks popping up in stores all over the world. They now continue their push into retail, with Walmart expanding its trials of robots that roam the aisles for sections in need of attention.​​