4 reasons why autonomous mobile robots are better than drones for inventory management in warehouses

In the fast-evolving world of warehouse logistics, staying ahead demands smart, scalable technology. Traditional inventory methods—like manual counting and barcode scanning—are increasingly inadequate due to their labor-intensive processes and high error rates. Even with the introduction of RFID technology, challenges with scalability and manual intervention persist. As the need to overcome these challenges grows, specialized solutions that deliver accuracy, efficiency and productivity are crucial. 

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and drones are two of the most prominent innovations coming to this space to help automate inventory management processes. While drones often capture attention for their aerial capabilities, AMRs deliver unmatched reliability, adaptability and precision handling the daily demands of warehouse operations.

The robotics revolution has been a journey of steady evolution, from mid-20th century industrial robots to today’s highly adaptable AMRs. Now integral to industries like logistics and healthcare, AMRs excel at tasks such as inventory management, material movement, and floor care, all with minimal human intervention. Their proven efficiency and adaptability have transformed warehouse automation.

Why AMRs outperform drones for inventory management

While drone technology has made significant strides, using it for inventory management comes with considerable challenges. Despite the buzz around their potential to transform the field, drones often fall short.

Let’s dive into the top three reasons why AMRs are a better choice than drones for inventory management.‍

1. Continuous operation and power efficiency

AMRs are engineered for long-term performance, capable of running for extended periods with minimal downtime. When power runs low, they autonomously navigate to their charging stations, ensuring continuous productivity without requiring human intervention. By comparison, warehouse drones suffer from significant energy limitations. Their typical battery life, averaging just 20 minutes, requires frequent recharges or battery swaps, resulting in operational interruptions. 

According to a 2024 literature review in Technology in Society, drone battery life ranges from as short as 2 to 25 minutes, further emphasizing this challenge. This is where advanced solutions like Dane AIR™ stand out. Unlike drones, Dane AIR™ can operate for up to 10 hours on a single charge, providing nearly 30 times the scanning capability of a standard drone. 

The need for constant recharging or battery swaps makes warehouse drones less practical for long-scale operations, especially when compared to the seamless and autonomous functionality of AMRs. This stark contrast in power efficiency highlights one reason why AMRs are a more suitable choice for industrial facilities requiring continuous performance without constant human oversight.‍

2. Seamless integration with existing workflows

AMRs seamlessly integrate into the flow of warehouse operations, complementing both human workers and other machinery with little disruption. Advanced technology like 3D LiDAR and cameras allow AMRs to autonomously navigate in dynamic environments, adapting to layout changes and shifting needs in real-time. This adaptability ensures that AMRs enhance operational efficiency while smoothly adjusting to new conditions as they arise.

On the other hand, warehouse drones often require predefined flight paths and face limitations in operating within confined or cluttered spaces. Their reliance on external systems like GPS (which is unreliable indoors), visual markers, RFID systems, or human operators for navigation and safety introduces delays or disruptions of other operations, especially in active warehouse environments. 

Additionally, to ensure safe drone operations, warehouses also often need to clear aisles of workers and equipment, potentially slowing down other tasks. AMRs, by remaining on the ground and moving predictably, avoid these challenges and integrate more naturally into busy environments, making them a more scalable and flexible solution for ongoing operations.

3. Enhanced safety and reliability

AMRs are equipped with advanced obstacle detection systems, allowing them to operate safely around people, equipment, and other obstacles. Their ground-level movements reduce the risk of accidents and provide a reliable, consistent alternative to manual tasks. 

By comparison, warehouse drones pose more significant safety concerns, particularly indoors. Drones are prone to accidents such as crashes or collisions with employees or objects, as highlighted in a 2021 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, which identified drone failures, crashes, or permanent damage as primary risks.

The powerful drafts created by warehouse drones can dislodge materials like shrink wrap or packing tape, creating additional safety risks for employees and drones alike. Drones can also become entangled in loose materials, potentially disabling them and requiring human intervention to resolve the issue. These factors make drones a far less reliable option in warehouses compared to the consistent, predictable operation of AMRs.

Additionally, a study by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified blunt force trauma, lacerations, and neck injuries as significant risks posed by drones, particularly if they lose connection or crash. While the chance of a serious head injury is relatively low, the 11-13% chance of a serious neck injury underscores the hazards drones introduce in a warehouse environment.

4. Fewer regulatory restrictions

Beyond performance and safety, regulatory limitations significantly impact the practicality of drones for warehouse and logistics operations. One major hurdle is their restricted use near airports, heliports, and other controlled airspace areas. 

According to FAA regulations, drone flights within a five-mile radius of an airport require special authorization, which can add significant delays and operational roadblocks. Given that some DCs are located near airports this restriction makes drones a less viable option for large-scale inventory management.

Additionally, state-specific drone laws introduce further complexities, ranging from registration requirements to outright flight restrictions in certain areas. These legal constraints create uncertainty for warehouse operators looking to scale drone-based inventory solutions, as regulatory compliance can vary based on location.

AMRs, on the other hand, do not face these limitations. Because they operate indoors and remain ground-based, they can be deployed in any warehouse or distribution center without requiring special permissions or regulatory workarounds. This unrestricted use enables logistics teams to implement AMR-based inventory management solutions quickly and efficiently, without the operational headaches associated with drone compliance.

By eliminating regulatory bottlenecks and offering a more seamless deployment, AMRs provide a scalable, long-term solution for warehouses looking to automate inventory tracking without red tape slowing them down.

AMRs are the future of inventory management in warehouses 

As warehouses and 3PLs look to the future, it’s clear that not all technologies are created equal. While drones offer an intriguing aerial perspective, ground-based solutions like autonomous mobile robots provide the seamless integration, safety, and efficiency that today’s operations need. AMRs are already solving complex challenges in ways drones struggle to match. 

At Brain Corp, we help teams enhance their productivity, profits, and operational excellence by automating tasks like inventory management using robots and artificial intelligence (AI). See how we can help improve your warehouse operations.

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Safety and security are at the core of everything we do. Brain Corp follows "security by design" principles with ISO27001-aligned policies, regular testing, and the BrainOS® Sense Suite—with its sophisticated sensors and UL-certified controller—ensures accurate data capture and reliable, secure performance. All support and data is housed in the USA, ensuring reliable, secure performance you can trust.