Ikea China deploys self-driving vehicles after retailer's pilot cuts average customer waiting times

Ikea China has introduced self-driving vehicles in Anhui Province following a pilot. It worked with a local supplier to test self-driving vehicles that transport customer orders from an external warehouse to the Ikea Hefei store for self-pick-up, and to re-stock products in-store. From the start of testing until now, the vehicles have covered almost 75,600 km.

The retailer says that average waiting times for self-pick-up orders reduced from six hours to two. For the business, transportation costs between Ikea units were reduced by more than 50%, offering a potential cost-efficient model for smaller stores or future formats.

As a result, Ingka Group, the largest Ikea franchisee, is permanently adopting the service at Hefei. It is also evaluating which markets would benefit from this initiative where legislation and infrastructure are favourable. In China, autonomous deliveries to the customer are also currently being trialled.

“We want to make life at home better through simple, affordable and convenient solutions to the many. Improving customer experience is a clear priority for us. This latest solution has taught us how new technology can shorten waiting times, support our co-workers and reduce costs, while keeping prices as low as possible,” says David McCabe, Fulfilment & Core Services Manager at Ikea Retail, Ingka Group.

“Autonomous delivery is no longer just a concept. We are deploying it in daily operations in China, together with partners. The value is practical: smoother deliveries, better use of time, and a more efficient last mile,” says Susanne Waidzunas, Global Supply Manager, Inter Ikea Group.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Autonomous deliveries will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.