IKEA has announced the next phase of its drone technology: an enhanced AI-powered system capable of operating alongside co-workers around the clock. This advanced system will be integrated into fulfillment units, including distribution centers, which will operate continuously. After a successful year of rigorous testing at the Winterslag Distribution Center in Winterslag, Belgium, IKEA is ready to deploy its drones in more locations over the next year.
"IKEA's drones use an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to identify and photograph product storage locations. In addition, the drone flights are pre-programmed and use a customized indoor positioning system to navigate the upper levels of storage locations (level 3 and above). Equipped with obstacle detection capabilities, these drones can avoid collisions by rerouting their routes." - Parag Parekh, global chief operating officer, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group).
The next phase will further boost operational efficiency by automating the time-consuming and physically demanding task of stock inventory, which is normally handled by employees. This change will not only free up employees to improve the customer experience, but will also enable IKEA to manage stock more quickly, accurately and precisely.
In 2021, IKEA launched an innovative collaboration with Verity, an artificial intelligence and robotics provider, to develop a fully autonomous drone solution for its warehouses.
The first drone took off at IKEA Switzerland and, today, more than 250 drones are operating in 73 locations in nine countries. This achievement is an important milestone in IKEA's ongoing commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
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