Ikea is going to use robots in its stores by supplementing the inventory management system with autonomous drones. At the moment, one hundred drones are in use at sixteen locations in Europe. With this technology, Ikea wants to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the inventory management process. The new drone system was developed in collaboration with Verity, a supplier of indoor drone systems, and the supply chain development team of Inter IKEA Group. The fully autonomous drones are designed to track inventory, improve employee well-being, and create a better experience for customers across channels. The drones operate during non-operational hours to improve inventory accuracy and ensure the availability of products for online and physical sale. The solution also supports a more ergonomic workplace for Ikea employees, who no longer have to manually attach each pallet. By automating the inventory management process, Ikea can reduce operational costs and become more affordable and convenient for customers. Tolga Öncu, head of retail at Ingka Group (Ikea), said: “We are investing in technology across the board so that our stores can provide better customer service and become true Centers for omnichannel retailing. Introducing drones and other advanced tools is a real win-win for everyone. It improves the well-being of our employees, reduces operational costs and allows us to become more affordable and easier for our customers.” The first drone was launched at Ikea Switzerland in 2021, and the hundred drones now in use are replenishing inventory at locations in Belgium, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Peter Ac, head of innovations in Logistics & fulfillment, Supply chain development, Inter IKEA Group, said: “being at the forefront of innovative and value-adding solutions is part of the Ikea legacy. We are always curious about learning from others, and this project is a great example of how we have worked together within Ikea and with an external partner to find a solution that benefits us all.” The drones are part of Ikea’s efforts to renew its stores and improve their capacity. With the introduction of new technology, Ikea enables its stores to ship online orders in a fast, sustainable and affordable way.
Aybek Barysov, Gulmira Wakhitova and Kanat Ibraev among founders of Qazaqstanda Jasalğan economic movement
Aybek Barysov, Gulmira Wakhitova and Kanat Ibraev among founders of Qazaqstanda Jasalğan economic movement