Faster pickups, lower costs: IKEA China rolls out self-driving vehicles to boost efficiency, cut delays

IKEA China is rolling out self-driving delivery vehicles to cut customer waiting times from six hours to two and slash transport costs by more than half.

Nathaniel Alexander Abaño March 18, 2026

The success of the pilot has prompted Ingka Group to permanently adopt the technology at its Hefei location. Image source: Ingka Group

IKEA China has begun rolling out self-driving delivery vehicles in Anhui Province after a pilot program significantly reduced customer waiting times and lowered operating costs, marking a shift toward automation in its retail logistics network.

The initiative, launched in partnership with a local technology supplier, uses autonomous electric vehicles to transport customer orders between an external warehouse and the IKEA store in Hefei. The same system is also used to replenish in-store inventory, streamlining operations across both fulfilment and retail functions.

Dip in waiting time

During the trial phase, the vehicles covered nearly 75,600 kilometres, demonstrating reliability within controlled environments. The results were immediate: waiting times for self-pick-up orders dropped from an average of six hours to just two, improving customer satisfaction while easing pressure on store operations.

For the business, the efficiency gains were equally notable. Transport costs between IKEA facilities fell by more than 50%, offering a potential blueprint for scaling similar systems across smaller stores or new retail formats.

The success of the pilot has prompted Ingka Group to permanently adopt the technology at its Hefei location. The company is now assessing expansion opportunities in other markets where infrastructure and regulatory conditions support autonomous operations. In China, further trials are also underway to explore direct-to-customer autonomous deliveries.

Executives say the move reflects a broader effort to integrate technology that delivers measurable value. “Improving customer experience is a clear priority,” said David McCabe, Fulfilment and Core Services manager at IKEA Retail under Ingka Group. He noted that the system has shown how innovation can shorten waiting times, support employees, and reduce costs while keeping prices competitive.

Compact vehicles

The vehicles themselves are compact—just over 3.5 meters long—and operate without human intervention under specific conditions, such as mapped routes and approved urban zones. Each unit is monitored remotely by a human operator who can take control if needed, ensuring safety and operational continuity.

Beyond efficiency, IKEA frames the initiative as part of a broader push toward human-centric innovation. Automation, the company says, is not about replacing workers but enhancing their roles by reducing repetitive tasks and improving workplace conditions.

“Autonomous delivery is no longer just a concept,” said Susanne Waidzunas, Global Supply manager at Inter IKEA Group. “The value is practical—smoother deliveries, better use of time, and a more efficient last mile.”