Ikea employees in the US getting cool new AI buddies
In Perryville, Maryland, Ikea is getting ready to introduce AI-powered drones to its distribution center. This move will mark the first time these AI drones will be working alongside Ikea employees in the US, aiming to streamline inventory checks and lighten the physical workload of human workers.
AI-Powered Drones at Ikea Distribution Center:
The Ikea drones utilize an AI-based algorithm to identify and photograph the location of product stocks. Equipped with obstacle detection, these drones are programmed to navigate higher levels of the depots, avoiding collisions and redirecting their flights as needed. Verity has manufactured these drones, which are currently in operation at 73 Ikea locations across nine countries.
Impact of Drone Use:
While Ikea is expanding its use of drones behind the scenes, other companies like Walmart are scaling back on drones interacting with consumers. Walmart recently announced the closure of several delivery nodes, affecting employees of DroneUp. Economic factors play a role in the use of drones in inventory and distribution centers, as companies aim to reduce delivery costs and improve efficiency.
Future of Drones at Ikea:
Ikea has not provided specific details on the launch date of drones in the US or the number of distribution centers that will adopt this technology in the near future. As the use of drones continues to evolve in the retail industry, it will be interesting to see how Ikea’s implementation benefits both employees and customers. Stay tuned for updates on Gizmodo.
