Swedish furniture retailer IKEA has announced the next phase in its drone technology: an upgraded AI-powered system capable of operating alongside co-workers around the clock.
This advanced system will be integrated into fulfilment units, including distribution centres, which will run continuously. After a successful year of rigorous testing at the Distribution Centre in Winterslag, Belgium, IKEA is ready to deploy its drones to more locations over the next year.
The next phase will further boost operational efficiency by automating the physically demanding and time-consuming task of stock inventory, which is otherwise handled by employees. This shift will not only free up co-workers to enhance the customer experience but also provides IKEA with faster, more precise and accurate stock management.
In 2021, IKEA launched an innovative collaboration with Verity, a provider of AI and robotics, to develop a fully autonomous drone solution for its warehouses. The first drone took flight in IKEA Switzerland, and today, more than 250 drones operate across 73 locations, in nine countries. This achievement is a major milestone in IKEA ongoing commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
The implementation of 24/7 operational drones is transforming IKEA inventory management, significantly boosting operational efficiency whilst also enhancing co-worker productivity. The new system enables simultaneous inventory checks, eliminating the need to block aisles and disrupt workflows. Co-workers can take immediate actions based on real-time data from the drones, significantly increasing product accuracy, and decreasing their workload. Tommy Niemierowski, Fulfilment Project Implementation Manager, IKEA Belgium explains: “Implementing a solution that truly makes a difference in our warehouses is an immensely rewarding experience. The installation process itself is relatively straightforward, and the reward is monumental, as it facilitates collaboration amongst various stakeholders.”
Integrating 24/7 operational drones into IKEA warehouses is not only a great step in inventory management but also a boost for employee well-being. By taking over the physically strenuous task of inventory checks, these drones reduce the ergonomic strain on co-workers, allowing them to focus on lighter and more interesting tasks.
A report from The New York Times highlights how warehouse drones help “reduce the repetitive strain and injury risks associated with manual labor in logistics and fulfillment operations,” giving workers a healthier and safer work environment. This shift helps co-workers avoid the physical toll of repetitive tasks, and long hours on their feet, ultimately improving both job satisfaction and long-term health.
In addition, IKEA prioritises safety in everything it does. The newly tested drones are designed specifically for distribution centres. The system’s AI and software are also fine-tuned with safety features to ensure that all facilities operate safely and efficiently.
According to Parag Parekh, Global CDO for IKEA Retail (Ingka Group), ‘’The IKEA drones use an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to identify and photograph product storage locations. In addition, drone flights are pre-scheduled, utilizing a custom indoor positioning system to navigate higher levels of storage locations (for levels 3 and up). Equipped with obstacle detection capabilities, these drones can avoid collisions by rerouting their paths.’’ According to the company, the solution complies with all Data Privacy assessment requirements, including the safety, integrity and privacy of co-workers.
After a successful test at the Distribution Centre Winterslag, IKEA is looking to expand the solution further in Europe and North America, starting with the Distribution Centre Perryville, IKEA US, where installation started this summer. Additionally, IKEA is working on upgrading the solution with new functionalities. Future developments include exploring unit loads and rack inspection functionalities, as well as improving the analytics and insights component of the solution. As Marcus Baumgartner, Head of Fulfilment & Core services, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group) explains ‘’We continue to embrace the benefits of technology and innovation, our goal is to create a better experience for our customers and a more ergonomic workplace for our co-workers.’’
Claes Lindgren, Global Category Area Manager Logistics Services (Inter IKEA Group) agrees with Marcus: “The drones are a good example where we can achieve a win-win in both of these areas; by simplifying our processes in the logistics units, and hence, ensuring better inventory integrity leading to a better customer experience.”
