**California**: A pilot project by Maersk in collaboration with Verity has demonstrated the effectiveness of drone-based inventory management, achieving rapid tag identification and significant improvements in operational efficiency in a fast-paced warehouse environment. The results suggest a promising future for such technologies in logistics.
In a significant pilot project conducted last summer, logistics and supply chain company Maersk tested an innovative drone-based inventory management solution developed by technology company Verity at its California warehouse. The pilot aimed to optimise inventory tracking for On-branded shoes, which are equipped with passive UHF RAIN RFID tags. This testing marks a considerable advancement in the efficiency of inventory management within a fast-paced warehouse environment, utilising the latest in AI and drone technology.
Verity’s drones are designed to autonomously navigate the warehouse and pinpoint the location of RFID-tagged products. The drones employ an artificial intelligence system that enables them to calculate the most efficient flying routes while concurrently avoiding obstacles and managing their recharging needs. The approach represents Maersk’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology to improve operational efficiency. Jason Walker, head of Maersk Contract Logistics in North America, expressed enthusiasm about participating in the pilot, stating, “(we were) thrilled to participate in this pilot program due to the advanced capabilities that drones offer for inventory management.”
The pilot, which spanned three months, demonstrated notable advancements in inventory tracking. It allowed for the rapid identification of tagged items, achieving an impressive reading speed of up to 1,000 tags per second with a 99.9% success rate. This capability, elucidated by Verity’s co-founder and CTO Markus Hehn, facilitates precise identification and location tracking of each item within the warehouse based on sophisticated algorithms integrated into the system.
Drones were outfitted with dual antennas and were programmed to autonomously create a digital representation of the warehouse, mapping their own routes while capturing tag reads during their flight. The onboard intelligence allows the drones to adjust their movements to ensure thorough tag scans, leveraging both RFID technology and computer vision to avoid obstacles.
The results of the pilot were substantial, according to Walker, who noted improvements in inventory accuracy, operational streamlining, and enhanced resource allocation. He stated, “We observed substantial benefits from RFID-enabled drones… ultimately leading to greater efficiency and service excellence.”
Verity has a proven track record in drone technology, having provided inventory control solutions in 15 countries over the past decade. The company’s drones are uniquely equipped for indoor operations, employing advanced software that compiles data on warehouse inventory levels. Unlike traditional methods, which often include handheld scanners with limited range, the autonomous drones can operate continuously, reading tags in high-density product environments.
One key advantage of Verity’s drones is their ability to recharge automatically. They adjust their routes dynamically based on their battery status, enabling them to return to charging stations as needed, thereby ensuring uninterrupted inventory scanning. Hehn explained, “Our drones know how long they can operate and can plan their routes accordingly.”
During the pilot, management had the flexibility to operate the drones at their convenience, using a web interface to set schedules and determine no-fly zones within the warehouse. The drones’ ability to collect both RFID and visual data enabled correlational analysis of inventory conditions, providing comprehensive insights into the warehouse environment.
The successful pilot is anticipated to pave the way for broader implementation of the technology. With an increasing number of goods tagged with RFID, Verity expects its inventory solutions to be adopted across various industries, including apparel, food and beverage, general merchandise, and automotive industries.
The positive results from this pilot are prompting Maersk to explore further integration of drone technology into their operations. Walker remarked, “Given the highly positive results, we are actively exploring opportunities to further integrate this technology and assess its potential for broader implementation across our operations.”
Such advances reflect a growing trend in the logistics sector towards innovative technologies that enhance efficiency and accuracy, which are crucial for maintaining service excellence in a competitive industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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