Ikea installs AI-powered drones in warehouses

  • August 27, 2024
  • Steve Rogerson

Flatpack furniture pioneer Ikea is to distribute AI powered drones to its warehouses after a year’s testing at a distribution centre in Belgium.

The upgraded AI-powered drones can operate alongside workers around the clock. This system will be integrated into fulfilment units, including distribution centres, which will run continuously.

After a year of rigorous testing at a distribution centre in Winterslag, Belgium, Ikea is ready to deploy its drones to more locations over the next year.

The next phase should 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 workers to enhance the customer experience but also provides Ikea with faster, more precise and accurate stock management.

In 2021, Ikea launched a collaboration with Verity, a provider of AI and robotics, to develop a fully autonomous drone for its warehouses. The first drone took flight in Ikea Switzerland, and now more than 250 drones operate across 73 locations, in nine countries.

The implementation of round-the-clock operational drones is transforming Ikea inventory management, boosting operational efficiency while enhancing worker productivity. The system enables simultaneous inventory checks, eliminating the need to block aisles and disrupt workflows.

Workers can take immediate actions based on real-time data from the drones, increasing product accuracy and decreasing their workload.

Tommy Niemierowski, fulfilment implementation manager for Ikea in Belgium, described this as “an immensely rewarding experience”, saying: “The installation process itself is relatively straightforward, and the reward is monumental, as it facilitates collaboration among various stakeholders.”

Integrating round-the-clock operational drones into Ikea warehouses not only improves inventory management but also boosts employee well-being. By taking over the physically strenuous task of inventory checks, these drones reduce the ergonomic strain on workers, allowing them to focus on lighter and more interesting tasks.

Warehouse drones help reduce the repetitive strain and injury risks associated with manual labour in logistics and fulfilment, giving workers a healthier and safer work environment. This shift helps workers avoid the physical toll of repetitive tasks, and long hours on their feet, improving job satisfaction and long-term health.

The drones are designed for distribution centres. The system’s AI and software are also fine-tuned with safety features to ensure all facilities operate safely and efficiently.

“The Ikea drones use an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to identify and photograph product storage locations,” said Parag Parekh from Ingka Ikea Retail (www.ingka.com). “In addition, drone flights are pre-scheduled, utilising a custom indoor positioning system to navigate higher levels of storage locations for levels three and up. Equipped with obstacle detection capabilities, these drones can avoid collisions by rerouting their paths.”

According to Ikea, this complies with all data privacy assessment requirements, including the safety, integrity and privacy of workers.

After the test in Winterslag, Ikea is looking to expand the technology further in Europe and North America, starting with the distribution centre in Perryville, Maryland, where installation started this summer. Additionally, Ikea is working on upgrading the technology with more functions. Future developments include exploring unit loads and rack inspection functionalities, as well as improving the analytics and insights component.

“We continue to embrace the benefits of technology and innovation,” said Marcus Baumgartner, head of fulfilment at Ikea Retail (www.ikea.com). “Our goal is to create a better experience for our customers and a more ergonomic workplace for our workers.”

Claes Lindgren, area manager, added: “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.”