EYE on RETAIL: IKEA enters drone zone
After a successful pilot, Ikea will now utilize upgraded AI-powered drones to help manage its inventory.
The Sweden-based home retailer will integrate the new technology into its fulfillment units, including distribution centers, which will run continuously. The new drone system allows for simultaneous inventory checks, eliminating the need to block aisles and disrupt workflows.
Workers can take action based on real-time data from the drones, which the retailer says will significantly increase product accuracy while decreasing their workload. Ikea added that the drone expansion will not only free up workers to enhance the customer experience but also provides the retailer with faster, more precise and accurate stock management.
After a successful year of rigorous testing at its distribution center in Winterslag, Belgium, Ikea says it is ready to deploy its AI drones to more locations over the next year. The expansion will start with the Ikea distribution center in Perryville, Md.
“Implementing a solution that truly makes a difference in our warehouses is an immensely rewarding experience,” said Tommy Niemierowski, fulfillment project implementation manager, Ikea Belgium. “The installation process itself is relatively straightforward, and the reward is monumental, as it facilitates collaboration amongst various stakeholders.”
In 2021, Ikea launched a collaboration with Verity, a provider of AI and robotics, to develop a fully autonomous drone solution for its warehouses. The first drones took flight in Ikea Switzerland, and today, more than 250 drones operate across 73 locations, in nine countries.
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.
‘’The Ikea drones use an AI-based algorithm to identify and photograph product storage locations,” said Parag Parekh, global CDO for Ikea Retail. “In addition, drone flights are pre-scheduled, utilizing 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.’’
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This article appeared first in Chain Store Age, sister publication of HBSDealer.