Using Drones for Inventory: Ikea’s Innovative Approach
In the ever-evolving world of technology, one question that has been on the minds of many is how to effectively utilize drones. While drones have found their place in various industries, one area where they have proven to be particularly advantageous is in inspection and inventory management. This is especially true for industries that deal with dangerous or remote spaces, such as power plants and oil rigs. It is within this context that the concept of inventory drones has emerged as a promising subset of the drone industry.
One company that has taken the lead in embracing inventory drones is Ingka Group, the owner and operator of hundreds of Ikea locations worldwide. With Ikea’s vast warehouses filled with large items, it is a logistical challenge for humans to cover the ground, let alone reach the towering vertical spaces. This is where drones come in. Ingka Group currently utilizes 100 drones across its European locations to provide around-the-clock updates on inventory. These drones, branded with Ikea’s signature blue and yellow color scheme, logo, and the familiar “Hej!” tagline, are produced by Verity, a popular drone manufacturer that raised $32 million in funding last year, largely due to its partnership with Ikea.
The advantages of using drones for inventory management are clear. These small scanning drones can reach heights that are inaccessible to humans and most robots, allowing for comprehensive and efficient inventory tracking. The drones provide real-time updates, ensuring that inventory information is always up to date. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of human error in inventory management.
Ikea’s collaboration with Verity began in 2021 in Switzerland, where Verity developed a customized solution to meet Ikea’s specific needs. Since then, the initiative has expanded to cover 16 locations across Europe, including Belgium, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Ikea’s Head of Logistics, Peter Ac, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “We are always curious about learning from others, and this project is a great example of how we have collaborated across Ikea and together with an external partner to come up with a solution that benefits us all.”
While Verity currently boasts the highest-profile partnership in the inventory drone category, it is not the only player in the field. Competitors such as Corvus Robotics, Gather AI, and Indoor Robotics are also vying for a piece of the market. Additionally, Dexory has developed a massive telescoping autonomous mobile robot that can reach high shelves, further expanding the possibilities for inventory management.
The emergence of inventory drones represents a significant step forward in the logistics industry. By harnessing the capabilities of drones, companies like Ikea are revolutionizing inventory management, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. With the continued advancement of drone technology and the increasing adoption of drones in various industries, the future of inventory management looks promising. As more companies recognize the potential of drone technology, we can expect to see further innovations and partnerships in the realm of inventory drones.
