IKEA Expands Drone Program For Improved Warehouse Efficiency And Employee Well-Being

IKEA announced today in a press release that it is advancing its warehouse operations with an upgraded AI-powered drone system designed for 24/7 operation.

The enhanced drone system is designed to streamline inventory management by automating stock checks. Using artificial intelligence, the drones identify and photograph product storage locations. Their flights are pre-scheduled to navigate high storage levels, equipped with obstacle detection to prevent collisions.

IKEA expects that the deployment of the drones will improve employee well-being. By automating the physically demanding task of inventory checks, the drones are anticipated to reduce ergonomic strain on employees, allowing them to focus on less demanding tasks.

This shift aims to minimize the risk of repetitive strain injuries associated with manual labor, creating a healthier and safer work environment, and ultimately enhancing job satisfaction and long-term health.

Additionally, the system enables simultaneous inventory checks, eliminating the need to block aisles and disrupt workflow. Employees can respond to real-time data from the drones, improving product accuracy and further reducing their workload.

Building on the success of a pilot program at its Winterslag distribution center in Belgium, IKEA plans to expand its drone-based inventory system to other locations in Europe and North America. The company has already initiated installation at the Perryville distribution center in the United States.

Tommy Niemierowski, Fulfilment Project Implementation Manager at IKEA Belgium, states, “Implementing a solution that truly makes a difference in our warehouses is an immensely rewarding experience. The installation process itself is relatively straightforward, and the reward is monumental, as it facilitates collaboration amongst various stakeholders.”

The company states that future development of the technology will focus on expanding the drones’ capabilities, including inspecting unit loads and racks, as well as improving data analysis and insights.