Bosma taps Gather AI tech to equip visually impaired warehouse employees with inventory management solutions

Inventory intelligence solution Gather AI has announced a new customer, US-based Bosma Enterprises (Bosma), Indiana's largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Bosma delivers business solutions including warehousing, contract packaging, light manufacturing, and product assembly. It also offers rehabilitation services, job training, and employment programmes to people experiencing vision loss.

It has implemented the Gather AI solution in its warehouse to enhance productivity and efficiency. This solution automates manual inventory processes and data analysis through the use of autonomous drones and computer vision technology.

AI software enables drones to fly autonomously through warehouses with no GPS, WiFi, or infrastructure changes needed. The machine learning algorithm analyses inventory pictures and is able to read and interpret barcodes, lot codes, text, expiration dates, case counts, and occupancy information.

This data is what warehouse operators need in order to compare the real-time physical inventory with what is digitally stored in the warehouse management system (WMS).

Now, any Bosma employee trained to use the technology can participate in the cycle counting and inventory management processes, as Gather AI’s solution contains voiceover and screen magnification capabilities.

The voiceover function allows the operator to hear the commands necessary to set up a drone mission, launch the drone, and land the drone if necessary. Gather AI’s drone flight automation takes care of the rest.

Bosma President and CEO, Jeffrey Mittman, says: “Gather AI helps with maintaining inventory accuracy throughout the year. I’m excited to be able to have this new technology available for employees that creates the opportunity for diverse jobs within our company.”

“Technology can fill the gap when someone loses their vision. The drones are a perfect example of technology making the overall process effective for everyone and are accessible to someone who is blind. Gather AI allows Bosma to create new skills and employment opportunities.”

“We aim to make our solution as easy as possible to use. Warehouses today are already under pressure due to various factors including supply chain delays, staff turnover, and more. It’s an honour to be working with Bosma and supporting their mission,” says Gather AI CEO and Co-Founder Sankalp Arora.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Inventory intelligence is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which are now closed for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.