IKEA Unveils 24/7 AI Drones for Warehouse Efficiency

With the latest drone technology, IKEA is soaring to new heights—a cutting-edge, AI-powered system designed to operate seamlessly alongside co-workers, 24/7. The drone solution will transform how IKEA manages its distribution centres to increase efficiency. 

After a year of rigorous testing at the Winterslag Distribution Centre in Belgium, IKEA is ready to roll out its drone technology to more locations across the globe.

Streamlining operations and enhancing accuracy

By automating the physically demanding and time-consuming task of stock inventory, IKEA’s drones will take the burden off employees, allowing them to focus on enhancing the customer experience.

The drones deliver faster, more precise and more accurate stock management. 

Claes Lindgren, Global Category Area Manager for Logistics Services (Inter IKEA Group), echoes this sentiment: “The drones are a prime example of achieving a win-win—simplifying processes in our logistics units and ensuring better inventory integrity, which leads to a superior customer experience.”

A collaborative milestone

IKEA’s journey with drone technology began in 2021 through a groundbreaking collaboration with Verity, a leader in AI and robotics.

The partnership created a fully autonomous drone solution for IKEA’s warehouses. The first drone took flight in Switzerland; today, over 250 drones are buzzing across 73 locations in nine countries. 

Elevating the co-worker experience

The integration of 24/7 operational drones is not just about efficiency; it’s about improving the work environment for IKEA co-workers.

The drones perform simultaneous inventory checks without blocking aisles or disrupting workflows, allowing co-workers to take immediate action based on real-time data. The system significantly boosts product accuracy and reduces the workload on employees.

Parag Parekh, Global CDO for IKEA Retail (Ingka Group), states:

“The IKEA drones use an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to identify and photograph product storage locations. In addition, drone flights are pre-scheduled, utilising a custom indoor positioning system to navigate higher storage locations (for levels 3 and up). Equipped with obstacle detection capabilities, the drones can avoid collisions by rerouting their paths.”

Expanding horizons

With successful testing at the Winterslag Distribution Centre, IKEA aims to expand this drone technology across Europe and North America.  The Distribution Centre Perryville in IKEA US, where installation began this summer. 

Future developments include new functionalities like unit load, rack inspection, enhanced analytics and insights.

Tommy Niemierowski, Fulfilment Project Implementation Manager at IKEA Belgium, states: “Implementing a solution that truly makes a difference in our warehouses is an immensely rewarding experience.

The installation process is straightforward and the impact is monumental, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.”

Employee well-being

Beyond efficiency, drones contribute to a healthier work environment by taking over physically strenuous tasks.

By reducing ergonomic strain, co-workers can focus on more engaging and less physically taxing responsibilities. 

Safety first

IKEA places safety at the forefront of all its operations. The newly tested drones are tailored specifically for distribution centres, featuring AI and software fine-tuned with robust safety measures. 

Marcus Baumgartner, Head of Fulfilment & Core Services at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group), states: “We continue to embrace the benefits of technology and innovation, aiming to create a better experience for our customers and a more ergonomic workplace for our co-workers.”

The Future of retail

As IKEA continues its journey to transform operations through cutting-edge technology, the introduction of AI-powered drones marks just one of many steps toward creating the exceptional customer experiences that will define the stores of tomorrow. 

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