Autonomous drones tackle freezer inventory for Kroger

Corvus Robotics has launched an autonomous drone system for inventory checks in sub-zero cold chain warehouses, with Kroger already using it in live freezer operations.

Corvus One for Cold Chain is designed to operate continuously in freezer environments from minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit up to ambient temperatures. It is built to handle conditions that can disrupt automation in cold storage sites, including frost, condensation, glare and strong airflow.

Cold chain warehouses face frequent stock movement, strict first-in-first-out requirements and limited windows for staff to work in freezer aisles. Workers must also use specialised protective gear, follow shorter shift patterns and comply with health and safety constraints. Together, these factors make routine cycle counts labour-intensive and expensive.

Corvus One for Cold Chain performs autonomous inventory scans by reading barcodes from the air. It is intended to enable frequent cycle counts without staff entering freezer aisles for routine checks.

Corvus framed the launch as a step towards more regular stock audits in frozen facilities. It said the system can improve visibility into pallet locations and dwell time, with potential benefits for write-offs, replenishment accuracy and warehouse space management.

Engineering focus

Freezer environments can affect sensors and flight stability. Cold temperatures can reduce battery performance and cause condensation when systems move between temperature zones. Frost and glare can obscure labels, while powerful blowers and door activity can create turbulence.

"Operating autonomous aerial systems continuously in freezer environments is an engineering challenge most robotics platforms were never designed to handle," said Jackie Wu, Chief Executive Officer at Corvus Robotics.

"Corvus One for Cold Chain required re-architecting thermal management, sensing, flight stability, and onboard perception so the system could maintain autonomy and accuracy despite frost, glare, airflow, and extreme temperature swings. The result is a system that performs reliably in environments that have historically defeated automation," Wu said.

The company said the system maintains flight and scanning performance in sub-zero conditions using industrial barcode scanners that provide control over focus and exposure. It also said the system adapts to site conditions to maintain barcode readability when frost or glare affects labels.

Corvus also highlighted flight stabilisation, saying the drone adjusts to airflow so freezer blowers and door activity can continue without changes to building operations.

Workflow integration

Corvus positioned the system for warehouses that want to avoid major infrastructure changes. It said Corvus One for Cold Chain operates without Wi‑Fi, localisation markers or lighting modifications, and does not require special barcodes.

The company said the system can fly autonomously during active shifts. It also described automated battery and device health management as part of its Robots-as-a-Service model, which is structured around ongoing operation rather than a one-time equipment sale.

The product is aimed at routine inventory work rather than ad hoc inspections. Frozen facilities often rely on manual cycle counts, which can be hard to schedule and difficult to complete consistently. Corvus said its drone performs frequent cycle counts to keep inventory data current.

Customer use

Kroger is using Corvus One for Cold Chain in live freezer operations, according to Corvus. The company said the deployment is delivering consistent inventory visibility and reducing reliance on manual cycle counts in sub-zero environments.

The announcement puts a major US grocer's name behind a category that has drawn growing interest across logistics and warehousing. Retailers and third-party logistics operators have been looking for alternatives to manual stock checking as SKU counts rise and fulfilment models become more complex.

Corvus is based in Mountain View, California. It sells an autonomous inventory management system built around drones that scan warehouse stock locations, and has cited customers including MSI Surfaces, Dermalogica and Staci Americas.

Corvus said it will demonstrate the cold chain product at Manifest in Las Vegas, where Wu is scheduled to speak about cold chain operations.