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After a year of successful tests in Belgium, Ikea is implementing drones controlled by AI for inventory management in distribution centres worldwide. This will allow employees to concentrate on lighter and more interesting tasks.
Successful tests
The drones use an algorithm based on artificial intelligence to identify and photograph product storage locations 24 hours a day – a time-consuming task they can take over from employees. Swiss company Verity developed the algorythm and a customised GPS system for the drone technology. During the initial Belgian test, the chain only deployed the drones at night, in the self-service areas of its shops.
However, the distribution centre in Genk, Belgium became the first place in the world where the retailer deployed the drones at the same time as people. The retailer will now roll out that system in Europe and North America, starting with the Perryville distribution centre in Maryland (US), where preparations began this summer.
“Win-win”
Today, Ikea already employs more than 250 drones at 73 locations in nine countries. They take over physically demanding and time-consuming tasks from employees and provide the Swedish chain with faster and more accurate stock management. Customers also benefit: Claes Lindgren, Global Category Area Manager Logistics Services (Inter IKEA Group), explains that “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.”
The drones tested in Genk are specifically designed for distribution centres. Drone flights are pre-planned with a customised indoor positioning system and the devices are equipped with obstacle detection capabilities to avoid collisions. According to Ikea, the solution meets all requirements regarding the safety, integrity and privacy of colleagues.
