Corvus Robotics has launched a new version of its autonomous inventory drone designed specifically for freezer warehouses, where temperatures can drop to minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit.
What’s Related
The system, called Corvus One for Cold Chain, is built to operate continuously in frozen environments, handling inventory cycle counts without requiring workers to enter harsh freezer aisles. The company says the goal is simple: give operators accurate, real-time inventory data while keeping people out of uncomfortable and risky conditions.
“Operating autonomous aerial systems continuously in freezer environments is an engineering challenge most robotics platforms were never designed to handle,” said Jackie Wu, Chief Executive Officer, at Corvus Robotics. “Corvus One for Cold Chain required re-architecting thermal management, sensing, flight stability, and onboard perception so the system could maintain autonomy and accuracy despite frost, glare, airflow, and extreme temperature swings. The result is a system that performs reliably in environments that have historically defeated automation.”
The drones are already in use. Kroger is using Corvus One for Cold Chain in live freezer operations, where the system is replacing manual cycle counts and helping teams keep closer tabs on frozen inventory.
Cold storage warehouses can be challenging to inventory, especially in sub-zero freezer areas. Corvus One is designed to handle those counts autonomously, giving operators more frequent visibility into frozen inventory without relying on manual checks.
The system is also designed to reduce the time workers spend in freezer aisles. Instead of sending people to count pallets, the drones handle routine inventory scans autonomously.
Corvus says the drones are built to operate in freezer conditions, including frost, condensation, and strong airflow, and that the system can run during active shifts without requiring major changes to existing warehouse setups.
