The idea of inventory drones in warehouses isn't exactly brand new. However, when warehouse staff are present, additional requirements arise for consistently safe operation, which is what led to the autonomous inventory system from "Verity" reaching the finals of the IFOY awards.
Verity's autonomous inventory system enables real-time inventory tracking in collaborative mode and 24/7 operation without disrupting human workflows. The autonomous inventory system is in use at the Ingka Group, IKEA's largest franchisee, which operates approximately 400 IKEA stores in 31 countries.
In 2020, Verity delivered its first autonomous inventory system, powered by self-flying drones capable of operating in complete darkness and without personnel. Building on this success, the Collaboration Mode was tested from 2023 to 2024.
The Verity inventory drone for manual high-bay warehouses is capable of reading barcodes and counting cases on partially used pallets, thanks to its comprehensive and practical sensor and lighting equipment. The inventory system can be easily integrated into a wide variety of WMS/WCS systems.
Autonomous flight is achieved using a 3D map of the warehouse and ensures autonomous battery recharging after ten minutes of flight time. Commissioning the system, which involves 3D mapping and installing reflective markers on the ceiling for navigation using an upward-facing camera, takes approximately one week.
No personal contact
The Collaboration Mode for use during operating hours in the vicinity of people functionally avoids personal contact based on information from the WMS about current warehouse activities as well as obstacle measurements with the integrated 3D and distance sensors in forward flight and use at flight altitudes defined as safe.
As an additional special feature, the drone has an optical navigation system that can orient itself in the dark warehouse using reflector markers attached to the ceiling with signals in the non-visible area.
Photo: Verity
According to Stefan Niederhauser, Head of Sales for Europe, the drone system offers up to 20 times more frequent inventory counts thanks to its continuous, rolling inventory process. These counts can be carried out during warehouse operations thanks to the collaborative mode, without interrupting regular warehouse activities. In the Ingka Group's case study, the inventory system resulted in 50 percent fewer write-offs due to losses, 70 percent less downtime in downstream processes caused by searching for lost pallets, and a significant reduction in overselling.
A gentle breeze in the warehouse aisle
In addition, 800,000 working hours were saved annually at over 100 customer locations, representing an 80 percent reduction in manual inventory work. For warehouse staff, drone-based inventory improves working conditions by eliminating the need for manual inventory counts at great heights. Furthermore, energy savings of up to 25 percent are possible, as the inventory system can be used even in the dark and does not require a lifting platform. The investment reportedly pays for itself within a year.
The countdown to the International Forklift and Intralogistics of the Year (IFOY) Award and the announcement of the winners on July 3rd at the Phoenix des Lumieres in Dortmund is underway.
