dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has announced the successful integration of autonomous drones into its cargo operations in Dubai, UAE.
dnata’s strategic initiative has significantly enhanced operational efficiencies, delivering remarkable benefits for airline customers at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports. Key results include 20% reduction in processing times on the rack inventories and over 99% accuracy in shipment tracking.
With a strong commitment to innovation and excellence, dnata was the first cargo services provider to introduce drones to its cargo operations in the UAE in 2021. The drones have seamlessly integrated into the day-to-day workflow and warehouse inventory processes. On average, dnata’s drones monitor some 1,800 shipments daily with 99% accuracy across 2,400 rack locations.
دناتا تعزز خدمات الشحن في #دبي باستخدام طائرات الدرون ذاتية القيادة في عملياتها للشحن. وأسهمت هذه المبادرة الاستراتيجية في تعزيز الكفاءة التشغيلية بشكل كبير، وتحقيق فوائد ملحوظة لعملائها في مطاري دبي الدولي ودبي ورلد سنترال، حيث انخفض زمن إنجاز العمليات على مخزونات الأرفف بنسبة… pic.twitter.com/7XUwBrssli
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 1, 2024
The innovative software of dnata’s partner, Gather AI, enables the drones to map the environment, collect inventory data, count cases, measure temperature, and read barcodes using only their cameras, without the need for any additional active infrastructure. The drones are paired to a tablet device providing live inventory data. The collected data can be viewed directly on the tablet or the web dashboard, via a user-friendly application.
With routine tasks automated, human resources can be allocated to more complex responsibilities, ultimately improving overall workforce productivity. The use of drones has also contributed to a reduction in carbon footprint and improved safety by reducing the need for mobile elevating work platforms (also known as ‘cherry pickers’) and man lifts in the warehouse.
The drones can operate at temperatures between 0 Celsius and +50 Celsius degrees within a closed environment, enabling dnata to take advantage of the technology in its state-of-the-art cool chain facilities, too. dnata has plans to introduce them at further stations across its global cargo network in the next years.
