IKEA Deploys Autonomous Robot Trucks for In-Store Fulfillment in China
Key Takeaways
- ▸IKEA reduced customer wait times for store pickups by 67% (from 6 hours to 2 hours) using Neolix autonomous vehicles in Hefei, China
- ▸Transportation costs were cut by more than 50% during the pilot program that covered 47,000 miles
- ▸The deployment uses two electric mini-trucks that operate autonomously with remote human monitoring for obstacle intervention
Summary
IKEA China has permanently deployed autonomous electric vehicles manufactured by Neolix at its Hefei location to transport products between the warehouse and store for customer pickups and shelf restocking. The implementation follows a successful pilot program that saw customer wait times reduced by two-thirds, from six hours to just two hours, while transportation costs dropped by more than 50%. The two mini-trucks covered 47,000 miles during testing and operate with remote human monitoring.
The electric vehicles measure 11.5 feet long and can handle all driving tasks autonomously within specific conditions, including cities with approved road access rights and mapped roads. A human operator monitors each vehicle remotely and can take manual control if obstacles are encountered. IKEA emphasized that the deployment represents a shift from concept to practical daily operations in China.
IKEA is now evaluating which other markets could benefit from the same delivery model, with future deployments dependent on favorable regulations and infrastructure for autonomous vehicles. The company is also separately testing autonomous deliveries directly to customer residences in China. Susanne Waidzunas, global supply manager at Inter IKEA Group, highlighted the practical value of smoother deliveries, better time utilization, and more efficient last-mile logistics.
- IKEA is evaluating expansion to other markets pending favorable regulations and infrastructure for autonomous vehicles
