Stock level detection apparatus and methods thereof

An inventory detection system, comprising:

• a sensor module disposed on a first shelf, wherein the first shelf includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the sensor module includes a distance sensor to measure a distance value to an item at an inventory location on a second shelf located below the first shelf;
• a linear movement system mounted to the bottom surface of the first shelf, the linear movement system being configured to translate the sensor module along a horizontal direction of the first shelf so as to acquire the measured distance value;
• and
• a control unit configured to control the linear movement of the sensor module and collect data associated with the measured distance value,
• wherein the control unit is configured to determine items remaining on the second shelf based on a comparison of the measured distance value to a distance threshold to define an inventory assessment system, wherein the distance value is measured from a top surface of the second shelf to the bottom surface of the first shelf.