Honeywell SwiftDecoder Software To Power Corvus Robotics Self-Flying Inventory Drones, Automate Tracking

Honeywell has announced that its SwiftDecoder barcode-decoding software will be integrated into Corvus Robotics’ self-flying inventory drones. This solution will be used within warehouses and distribution centres to make the process of tracking rapidly changing inventory quicker and more accurate for retailers, distributors and manufacturers at the case- and pallet-level.  

The Corvus One Autonomous Inventory Management System, equipped with SwiftDecoder software, is able to fly through distribution centres to conduct inventory audits. It can accomplish this task more quickly than a human could in vast warehouse spaces that often have very high shelves, hard-to-reach racks or products and low-light conditions that can make traditional scanning a challenge. 

By using computer vision to navigate, scan, map and count inventory in real time, the drones are able to operate without GPS, human operators, Wi-Fi or wireless beacons. This system not only helps warehouses get an accurate picture of inventory, but also enables companies to deploy limited labor resources in other ways that add greater value to the business.

“As the labour shortage continues to plague the supply chain, we know that companies are looking for solutions to supplement their human workforce,” said David Barker, president of Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services. “By automating inventory counting and providing real-time data, the Honeywell-Corvus Robotics solution will help retailers keep up with growing demand and complexity, reduce inventory discrepancies and errors and improve overall supply chain performance.”  

Honeywell’s SwiftDecoder software can batch scan to capture many barcodes at the same time. This capability, coupled with Corvus One’s onboard sensors and cameras, allows the inventory management system to count the number of individual cartons in a single location. 

The real-time data that is captured and processed with the solution allows for immediate insights into stock levels and case counts, helping businesses make informed decisions quickly, respond proactively to any supply chain disruptions and maintain operational continuity.

“With Honeywell’s software and our in-house proprietary case counting AI technology, we can quickly decode many cases in one location, all at once. Together, Corvus Robotics and Honeywell are empowering warehouses and distribution centres to better manage inventory, reduce operational expenses and streamline the overall flow of goods throughout the supply chain,” said Jackie Wu, CEO at Corvus Robotics.