From Carnegie Mellon to Revolutionizing Warehouses

Sankalp Arora, CEO and co-founder of Gather AI, has been at the forefront of robotics innovation. Alongside his co-founders, Arora transitioned from groundbreaking research at Carnegie Mellon University—where he contributed to developing the world’s first fully autonomous helicopter—to creating Gather AI. The company’s mission is clear: to use AI to simplify data collection, especially in warehouses.

Arora’s early experiences shaped his vision for AI-driven automation. Reflecting on his journey, he recounts working on helicopters that mapped 3D environments in minutes, a feat that solidified his belief in robots as unmatched data-gathering machines.

Redefining Warehouse Operations

Today, Gather AI focuses on transforming warehouse management. Using autonomous drones, their technology streamlines inventory processes, completing thousands of flights weekly. Serving industries such as retail, third-party logistics, and manufacturing, their solutions eliminate inefficiencies while providing real-time visibility.

Arora proudly shares customer success stories: from visually impaired employees utilizing drones for inventory checks to supply chain executives discovering millions in previously unaccounted inventory. The drones’ simplicity, akin to using a smartphone, ensures wide accessibility.

Overcoming Challenges in Automation

Despite its advancements, the automation industry faces skepticism due to unmet promises in the past. Arora emphasizes the importance of regaining trust, which Gather AI achieves by delivering consistent results and fostering early adopters who validate their capabilities.

He draws parallels between the trajectories of autonomous cars and humanoids, suggesting that while these innovations hold immense potential, the journey to mainstream adoption will require time and persistent proof points.

Listening to Customers, Shaping the Future

Customer feedback drives Gather AI's innovation. While some requests may veer into whimsical territory, Arora highlights a recurring demand for actionable insights from the data the drones collect. Starting this year, Gather AI is incorporating these suggestions, empowering businesses to optimize operations proactively.

The Road Ahead for AI

Looking to the future, Arora envisions AI making digital product creation significantly easier through advanced coding tools and natural language data analysis. He also anticipates breakthroughs in large language models, enabling them to tackle increasingly complex, multi-step problems.

As Gather AI leads the charge in physical AI, Sankalp Arora remains committed to enhancing warehouse operations and showcasing how applied AI can drive tangible, transformative results.