Corvus Robotics has introduced Corvus One for Cold Chain, an autonomous inventory management system engineered for continuous operation in freezer environments ranging from -20°F to ambient temperatures. The system is designed to withstand extreme cold, airflow, frost, and condensation, delivering frequent and accurate cycle counts without human intervention. This enables operators to maintain real-time inventory visibility while reducing labor exposure in harsh freezer conditions.
Key takeaways
- Operates autonomously in temperatures as low as -20°F, eliminating the need for associates to enter freezer aisles for routine counts.
- Uses industrial-grade barcode scanners with adaptive focus and exposure control, plus stabilized flight, to read frosted or low-contrast labels despite airflow and glare.
- Requires no Wi-Fi, localization markers, lighting modifications, or special barcodes, and flies during active shifts with automated battery and device health management.
- Kroger, a leading national grocer, is already using the system in live freezer operations, reporting consistent inventory visibility and reduced reliance on manual counts.
Corvus One for Cold Chain addresses challenges specific to frozen inventory, including short shelf lives, strict FIFO requirements, and expanding SKU counts. High-frequency autonomous cycle counts keep inventory data current, improving pallet position visibility and dwell time tracking, which helps reduce write-offs and optimize space. The system also mitigates the higher labor costs and safety risks associated with freezer work by removing workers from sub-zero aisles for routine inventory tasks.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2026-02-10 · “Corvus Robotics launches new drones for autonomous inventory in sub-zero warehouses”