Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) has announced that its SwiftDecoder barcode-decoding software will be integrated into Corvus Robotics’ autonomous inventory drones. This innovative solution will be deployed in warehouses and distribution centers (DCs) to help retailers, distributors, and manufacturers track inventory at the case and pallet level with greater speed and precision. Honeywell’s development of supply chain solutions that automate tasks for increased accuracy and improved labor efficiency supports the company’s commitment to trends such as automation.
“We chose Honeywell’s SwiftDecoder software for our advanced drones due to its proven expertise in the warehousing industry and the software’s ability to reliably capture data in even the most dynamic and fast-paced DC environments,” said Jackie Wu, CEO of Corvus Robotics. “By combining Honeywell’s software with our in-house AI-powered case counting technology, we can quickly scan multiple cases in one location at the same time. Together, we’re enabling warehouses and distribution centers to optimize inventory management, lower operational costs, and streamline the movement of goods across the supply chain.”
The Corvus One™ Autonomous Inventory Management System, equipped with SwiftDecoder, is capable of conducting inventory audits within DCs. It performs this task faster than humans, particularly in expansive warehouses with towering shelves, hard-to-reach areas, or low-light conditions that make traditional scanning methods difficult. By leveraging computer vision to navigate, scan, map, and count inventory in real time, these drones can operate without GPS, human oversight, Wi-Fi, or wireless beacons. This system not only provides accurate inventory data but also frees up labor resources for other value-adding activities.
“As labor shortages continue to affect the supply chain, businesses need solutions to supplement their human workforce,” said David Barker, president of Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services. “With our automated inventory counting and real-time data, the Honeywell-Corvus Robotics solution will help retailers meet rising demand, reduce inventory discrepancies, and enhance overall supply chain performance.”
SwiftDecoder’s ability to batch scan numerous barcodes simultaneously makes it ideal for integration with autonomous drones, facilitating rapid inventory counting. Paired with the Corvus One’s onboard sensors and cameras, this system enables real-time counting of cartons in a given area. The data captured and processed by the Honeywell-Corvus Robotics system delivers immediate insights into stock levels, empowering businesses to respond quickly to supply chain disruptions and ensure smooth operations.
Honeywell is a global leader serving a wide range of industries, focusing on megatrends such as automation, aviation, and energy transition. With solutions spanning Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation, and Energy and Sustainability, Honeywell continues to drive innovation to tackle complex challenges, making the world smarter, safer, and more sustainable.
Corvus Robotics offers the first autonomous inventory management system powered by AI, featuring drones that operate without human oversight or infrastructure. Designed and built in the U.S., its Corvus One product provides efficient, accurate inventory management, helping companies like MSI Surfaces and Staci Americas reduce labor costs, cut expenses, and improve customer satisfaction.
