IKEA has been using drones to count inventory for some time now. In 2023, more than 100 drones were already counting inventory in warehouses in Belgium and the Netherlands, among other places. There are now 250 drones flying around in 73 stores in 9 countries. The drones from supplier Verity were originally only active outside opening hours. During opening hours, normal IKEA visitors have access to large parts of the warehouse.
Drones and Safety
In their Winterberg store in Belgium, IKEA has been testing new functionality for their drones in recent months, allowing them to be used in the warehouses during opening hours. Adding AI (artificial intelligence) now makes it possible to use drones during opening hours. For now drones are used to monitor and optimize inventory, but they can be used 24/7 and can support employees in their work. Parag Parekh, Global CDO for IKEA Retail, explains:
“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.”
Increasing operational efficiency
The rollout of the drones will significantly increase operational efficiency in the affected stores. Managing inventory is time-consuming and manpower-intensive and can potentially impact visitors. Checking whether a product is in a high location in the warehouse sometimes means temporarily closing off a path for customers. Inventory accuracy is critical to IKEA. The more accurate that information, the fewer customers will be disappointed with a message that a product is unavailable. And for IKEA, customer satisfaction is key.
Impact on employee well-being
The use of drones in IKEA distribution centres also contributes to employee well-being. Drones make work easier. Checking and counting inventory is a task that demands a lot from employees. It is physically demanding, but also mentally. It requires a high concentration level to be 100% accurate, while the work is repetitive and boring. With drones taking over many tasks, employees can focus on lighter and more interesting tasks. This leads to a healthier and safer working environment, which leads to fewer incidents, lower absenteeism and, above all, higher employee satisfaction.
Future Expansion and Innovations
After the successful test with the new AI-powered drones at the Winterslag store in Belgium, IKEA plans to expand the drone system further. In addition, IKEA is working on developing additional functionality for the drones, such as inspecting the warehouse racks.
Marcus Baumgartner, Head of Fulfilment & Core Services at IKEA Retail, 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”
IKEA has always been at the forefront when it comes to their approach to logistics and it’s great to see how they continue to evolve.
