IAG Cargo has successfully trialled autonomous drone technology within its warehouse facility in Madrid to automate freight checks.

Conducted using technology developed by drone software start-up FlytBase, the trials came after IAG Cargo found it was spending an average of 6,500 hours each year recording barcodes and location data of freight across individual warehouses.

With the drones’ use of the 3D space, degree of autonomy and continuous advancement in intelligent automation software, IAG Cargo identified a viable solution to increase accuracy within the warehouse.

Carly Morris, head of innovation at IAG Cargo says: “Watching our autonomous drone take off, navigate our warehouse, collect valuable location and barcode data, and then return itself to an origin point for self-charging is an incredible sight, and shows the huge potential drones have in the aviation and logistics sectors.”

Morris says the trial is one aspect of IAG Cargo’s programme of innovation and investment to change how logistics works.

She says: “We have more exciting new technology tests and trials in 2020 that will help change the way our industry approaches some age-old problems.”

Two separate trials have been completed where the technology completed tasks including navigating across multiple racks by flying over-the-top; accurately detect and reads AWBs and identify empty slot locations; and automatically return itself to charging doc for self-charging.