Cypher’s inventory drone launches from an autonomous mobile robot base

Automating inventory management is indeed a crucial application for robotics, given the repetitive nature of the task and the large quantities of items involved. Various solutions have emerged to address this challenge, including drones and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

Cypher Robotics unveiled a new system at the Modex conference that combines both technologies. At the core of their solution is a tall AMR that serves as a platform for launching and landing a drone. The AMR moves across the warehouse floor, while the drone provides vertical reach for inventory counting.

The drone, tethered to the AMR platform, can operate for up to five hours before needing to return for a recharge. By tethering the drone, Cypher Robotics ensures consistent power supply and extended battery life compared to untethered systems.

GreyOrange, a robotics firm embracing third-party technologies, showcased the Captis robot at their booth. This addition to their offering was prompted by a customer’s need for cycle counting, which involves verifying inventory records against physical stock on the shelves.

While inventory management remains a tedious task, innovations like Cypher Robotics’ drone-AMR system aim to streamline the process and improve efficiency in warehouse operations.