IKEA already sporadically uses drones in stores after closing time. In distribution centers, they will now work internationally 24/7.
The group decides to roll out flying drones internationally after a successful test in Winterslag, Belgium. The autonomous digital employees take over some of the tasks of people, who will focus their attention on other matters.
The drones are mainly used for matters concerning inventory management. Human employees perform activities in the stock shelves at heights of up to approximately two meters. Then, from rack levels three to seven, the drones take over.
Not only does work in the fulfillment centers become more efficient, but according to the Swedes it is also safer.
A report on the Flemish channel TVL from earlier this year shows what the drones are doing in Winterslag. These experiences are now being rolled out to other locations, starting with IKEA US’s Distribution Centre Perryville.
Drones have been active in IKEA stores since 2023, but only at night. They are also used there to count stock.
Today, it’s about 250 drones in 73 stores in nine countries. The hardware comes from the company Verity from Zurich. It specializes in automating indoor inventory management. Other customers include DSV, Maersk and Samsung. The Swiss raised forty million euros in venture capital last year, including from AP Moller Holding, the parent company of shipping company Maersk.
Source: www.emerce.nl
