Corvus Robotics announced the launch of a new system based on self-driving drones, which aims to manage inventory operations in refrigerated warehouses whose temperatures reach “minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.” This step aims to enhance inventory accuracy and protect workers from harsh weather conditions.
The new system, called “Corvus One for Cold Chain,” is specifically designed to operate continuously inside industrial cold stores. This system performs inventory operations automatically, which reduces dependence on the human element, reduces health risks, and reduces operating costs.
This system targets logistics and supply chain sectors that deal with frozen goods with a limited shelf life, requiring strict adherence to the “first in, first out” (FIFO) principle, as well as dealing with increasing complexities in product variety.
Drones enable frequent and accurate scanning of inventory, providing operators with a near-real-time view of the locations of storage pallets and how long they remain in the warehouse. The system was developed to operate highly in freezing environments, overcoming challenges faced in automation processes, such as frost, condensation, airflow and light reflection.
The company confirmed that the system does not require any modifications to the warehouse infrastructure, as it does not depend on Wi-Fi networks, localization signs, or special lighting. The system can also operate during normal business hours without affecting the flow of operations.
Jackie Wu, CEO of Corvus Robotics, said that operating autonomous flight systems in freezing environments “represents a significant engineering challenge,” and explained that the new system necessitated a comprehensive redesign of thermal management, sensors and flight stability, to ensure accuracy and autonomy in such extreme conditions.
The “Corvus One for Cold Chain” system is based on industrial barcode scanners, capable of reading labels even if they are damaged or covered in frost, with the ability to automatically adjust scanning settings according to ambient conditions.
The company reported that the system is currently working in real commercial environments, as one of the major national supermarket chains in the United States, “Kroger”, relies on this technology in its frozen warehouses, which has contributed to reducing reliance on manual inventory and improving inventory accuracy.
The system is offered under a “Robotics as a Service” (RaaS) model, which includes automatic battery management and continuous monitoring of the status of devices, ensuring continuous operation without the need for field operating teams.
As frozen product supply chains continue to expand globally, Corvus Robotics believes that autonomous systems specifically designed to operate in harsh environments will move from being a mere technical option to an operational necessity.
