IKEA is leading the way in innovative retail solutions with their fully autonomous drone system developed in collaboration with Verity. The drones are used to track inventory during non-operational hours, ensuring stock accuracy and availability for both online and in-store purchases.
IKEA is a Swedish multinational furniture and home goods retailer known for its flat-pack furniture, modern design, and affordable prices. The company was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad and has since grown to become the world’s largest furniture retailer, with over 400 stores in 52 countries. IKEA’s product range includes furniture, kitchen appliances, home accessories, and much more, all designed with the company’s signature combination of form, function, and affordability.
But it’s not just about improving inventory management. According to Tolga Öncu, Head of Retail at Ingka Group (IKEA), the drone system also improves the wellbeing of IKEA co-workers by eliminating the need for manual confirmation of each pallet.
And this isn’t a small-scale project. The first drone took off in Switzerland in 2021, and now there are 100 drones at work in 16 different locations across Europe. According to Peter Ac, Head of Innovations in Logistics & Fulfilment, Supply Chain Development, Inter IKEA Group, “Being at the forefront when it comes to innovative and value adding solutions is part of the IKEA heritage.”
The drones are just one example of how IKEA is revamping their stores and improving their handling capacities to become more sustainable, affordable, and convenient for customers. So next time you’re at an IKEA store, keep an eye out for these busy drones doing their part to improve your shopping experience.
