What We Learned at MODEX 2026: How AI-Powered Drones Are Transforming Warehouse Operations

Faith Artieda • April 20, 2026

As we wrap up an incredible week at MODEX 2026, one thing is clear: innovation in supply chain technology is accelerating—and it’s already delivering real results inside warehouse operations.

One of the highlights of the event was a joint session between Barrett’s VP of of Business Process Optimization, Jim Rapoza, and our partner Gather AI, where they shared how AI-powered machine vision and autonomous drones are driving meaningful impact inside our facilities.

We’re proud to collaborate with Gather AI to enhance inventory accuracy, increase visibility, and help our teams execute at a higher level every day. And based on the conversations at MODEX, it’s clear this is just the beginning.

A Standout Theme at MODEX: AI in Action

MODEX is known for showcasing the future of supply chain technology—but what stood out this year was how much of that “future” is already being applied today.

AI wasn’t just a buzzword on the show floor. It was being demonstrated through real use cases, real operations, and real results.

For Barrett, that was reinforced during our session with Gather AI, where the focus was simple: how AI is improving warehouse execution right now—not years from now.

Drones in the Warehouse: From Concept to Execution

One of the most compelling innovations discussed at MODEX was the use of autonomous drones for inventory management.

Inside Barrett facilities, these drones are actively used to scan warehouse aisles, capturing high-resolution images of pallet locations and storage positions. Using AI-powered machine vision, that visual data is transformed into accurate, actionable inventory insights.

This approach allows us to move beyond traditional inventory processes and into a more advanced operating model:

Continuous inventory scanning instead of periodic counts
Real-time visibility into inventory positions and conditions
Automated validation of pallet locations and system data
Reduced reliance on manual, labor-intensive cycle counting

What was once a forward-looking concept is now a practical, scalable solution embedded in daily operations.

Always-On Visibility, Better Decisions

One of the biggest advantages of drone-based inventory scanning is the shift from static to dynamic visibility.

In traditional warehouse environments, inventory accuracy depends on the last time a count was completed. With drone technology, inventory is continuously monitored—creating a more current, reliable picture of what’s happening across the warehouse.

This enables:

Faster identification of discrepancies
More accurate available-to-sell inventory
Improved order accuracy and fulfillment performance
Better planning and operational decision-making

Instead of reacting to issues after they occur, teams can operate more proactively with better data at their fingertips.

Enhancing Operations Without Disruption

A key takeaway from both MODEX and our own experience is that the best technologies are the ones that integrate seamlessly into existing operations.

Drone-based scanning does exactly that.

These drones operate in the background, navigating warehouse aisles without interrupting picking, packing, or shipping activities. This means we can improve inventory accuracy and visibility without slowing down throughput or pulling labor away from core tasks.

At Barrett, this aligns with our broader approach to automation—using technology to support our people, improve efficiency, and elevate performance across the operation.

The Power of Partnership

Our collaboration with Gather AI is a great example of how innovation happens in practice.

By working closely with a technology partner that specializes in AI-powered machine vision, we’re able to bring advanced capabilities into our facilities in a way that is both practical and impactful.

The session at MODEX highlighted what’s possible when technology and operational expertise come together—not just to test new ideas, but to implement solutions that deliver real results at scale.

Looking Ahead After MODEX 2026

As MODEX 2026 comes to a close, the conversations don’t stop here.

The interest and engagement we saw throughout the week—from those who attended the session to everyone who stopped by to connect—reinforce how important these innovations are to the future of supply chain operations.

AI-powered drones are no longer just a highlight from the show floor—they’re becoming a core part of how modern warehouses operate.

At Barrett Distribution, we’re proud to be part of that evolution, continuing to invest in technology, partnerships, and processes that help our customers operate more efficiently, accurately, and confidently.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

If you’re exploring ways to improve inventory accuracy, increase visibility, or bring more intelligence into your warehouse operations, we’d love to connect.

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