IKEA Shanghai Concept Store Goes for Makers, Innovation ... Less Maze

Nice thoughts, will it work effectively?

Can IKEA’s store layout still amaze without a maze?   by Matthew Stern  with further expert commentary.   in Retailwire.

Customers have long associated IKEA with the experience with traversing a labyrinth of furniture and home décor, and often walking out with more than they anticipated because of it. Now IKEA may be ditching the maze in favor of a layout it considers to be even more immersive.

A test IKEA store concept in Shanghai, China will feature spaces for customers to lounge around and relax, hang out with social media influencers, take selfies and even participate in workshops where they can make and repair products, according to The Guardian.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Shanghai location includes cushioned, theater-like space, a restaurant that showcases sustainable food practices and a “Maker’s Hub” where staff help customers repair old and build new items, alongside showrooms and a shop for small items.

The Shanghai store will represent the second test of this store concept, which was also introduced in Poland. Last week, IKEA also opened a compact store in Vienna designed for urban markets comprising five stories and a rooftop café. ... ' 

IKEA Robotic Furniture Assembly

 Had heard a previous overview of this, if this could be done effectively it  would likely increase sales.  As I understand it is still a proposal, tell me if otherwise.

Need help building IKEA furniture? This robot can lend a hand  by Caitlin Dawson, University of Southern California  in Techxplore

As robots increasingly join forces to work with humans—from nursing care homes to warehouses to factories—they must be able to proactively offer support. But first, robots have to learn something we know instinctively: how to anticipate people's needs.

With that goal in mind, researchers at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering have created a new robotic system that accurately predicts how a human will build an IKEA bookcase, and then lends a hand—providing the shelf, bolt or screw necessary to complete the task. The research was presented at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation on May 30, 2021.

"We want to have the human and robot work together—a robot can help you do things faster and better by doing supporting tasks, like fetching things," said the study's lead author Heramb Nemlekar. "Humans will still perform the primary actions, but can offload simpler secondary actions to the robot."

Nemlekar, a Ph.D. student in computer science, is supervised by Stefanos Nikolaidis, an assistant professor of computer science, and co-authored the paper with Nikolaidis and SK Gupta, a professor of aerospace, mechanical engineering and computer science who holds the Smith International Professorship in Mechanical Engineering.

Adapting to variations

In 2018, a robot created by researchers in Singapore famously learned to assemble an IKEA chair itself. In this new study, the USC research team aims to focus instead on human-robot collaboration.

There are advantages to combining human intelligence and robot strength. In a factory for instance, a human operator can control and monitor production, while the robot performs the physically strenuous work. Humans are also more adept at those fiddly, delicate tasks, like wiggling a screw around to make it fit.

The key challenge to overcome: humans tend to perform actions in different orders. For instance, imagine you're building a bookcase—do you tackle the easy tasks first, or go straight for the difficult ones? How does the robot helper quickly adapt to variations in its human partners?  ... ' 

IKEA Digital Trasformation

 A long time follower of IKEA, both as a customer, and briefly interacting during our building innovation centers.  Most notably in their use of VR approaches to deign consumer uses of IKEA furnishing design.  Like to see more about what they are doing digitally, had been impressed by past work.  Note mention of pandemic closure of stores in pandemic, which I was not aware of..

Inside IKEA’s Digital Transformation  by Thomas Stackpole

Summary.   How does going digital change a legacy retail brand? According to Barbara Martin Coppola, CDO at IKEA Retail, it’s a challenge of remaining fundamentally the same company while doing almost everything differently. In this Q&A, Martin Coppola talks about how...more

What does it mean for one of the world’s most recognizable retail brands to go digital? For almost 80 years, IKEA has been in the very analogue business of selling its distinct brand of home goods to people. Three years ago, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group) hired Barbara Martin Coppola — a veteran of Google, Samsung, and Texas Instruments — to guide the company through a digital transformation and help it enter the next era of its history. HBR spoke with Martin Coppola about the particular challenge of transformation at a legacy company, how to sustain your culture when you’re changing almost everything, and how her 20 years in the tech industry prepared her for this task.

How is the digital transformation at IKEA changing how the company actually operates in the day-to-day?

In practical terms, we’ve approximately tripled ecommerce levels in three years. We have transformed our stores to also act as fulfilment centers. To make that work, the flow of goods needed to change, the supply mechanisms needed to change, and also the floorplans of the store needed to change. Ecommerce is open 24 hours a day, while traditional stores are not, which means we’ve needed to learn how to operate at two speeds, while operating from one space. Goods can be delivered from the stores, or from different distribution centers — and algorithms are helping figure out where the goods are being sourced from. We’re rapidly expanding data and analytics and changing how they’re embedded in decision making.

With the pandemic and with the closure of approximately 75% of our stores, we ramped-up and accelerated even more as people turned online and towards digital solutions. Things that would normally take years or months were carried out within days and weeks.

The digital transformation is not a goal in and of itself, and it is so much more than technology. We are transforming our business: We are exploring potential new offers to customers, new ways to bring our offers to customers, and new ways to operate our business. And in order to be successful, digital needs to be embedded in every aspect of IKEA. Digital is a way of working, making decisions, and managing the company .... '

Examining 3D Customer Experiences

 Nicely put short piece in Customer Think about how customers will be attracted and engagedwith 3D experiences.  And some notable examples like IKEA Place,  which I have worked with.    My current look at LiDAR also edges on the idea.

Reimagining Customer Experiences With 3D Technologies

By Surabhi Ghosh Chatterjee -May 4, 2021 in Customerthink

The new normal is evolving every day, and so are customer expectations. One of the major shifts in consumers’ sentiment today is – ‘If I can do it online, I will.’ This shift is likely to stay in consumers’ lives as they become increasingly comfortable with technology. Today’s consumers seek personalized and engaging experiences that emotionally connect with them. In fact, 86% of customers say they do not mind paying a premium for a great customer experience. A recent IDC report suggests that customer experiences will become a competitive advantage for brands to gain customer loyalty.

Immersive technologies will play a critical role in the way customer experiences (CX) are reimagined. 3D technologies can be the game-changers in building an emotional connection with consumers and redefining the rules of customer experiences for the future.

Here’s how:  ... " 

LiDAR Space Scanning, Modeling and Enabling

Some time ago attended a brainstorming session on the use of 'space scanning' to support advertisements and other future AR functionality.   Well the time is now closer, but how close are we to actual functionality?   I am testing for now an IPhone 12 Pro with Apps, and will present more here.   For now here is an article on current Apps that support LiDAR scanning.  IKEA is known to be testing.   Will be testing the idea.   Any thoughts out there of current tests that could be supported? 

Best apps for testing and experiencing LiDAR on your new iPhone 12 Pro  and more here on uses .

Did you buy a new iPad Pro? How about a new iPhone 12 Pro? These are the LiDAR apps to try right now, regardless of your background or experience.   By  Brian M Wolfe

The second-generation 11-inch iPad Pro, fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and now the iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max offer a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Scanner that will play a huge role in Apple's augmented reality initiatives in the years to come.

Here's more about LiDAR and apps you can use right now on your new iPad Pro to test the technology.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR uses light to measure distance using invisible pulsating green spectrum lasers. These pulses (which occur thousands of times per minute) measure how long it takes for the light to get back to the sensor. By doing so, it paints a "picture" of the environment in front of the scanner. .... "

IKEA Catalog is Gone

We used Ikea catalogs as examples of artistically done customer outreach.    Worth noting.  

 Ikea Just Quietly Killed Its Famous Catalog. It's a Brilliant Lesson in Emotional Intelligence. In a simple 4-word phrase, Ikea teaches a lesson every business can learn from.

 By Justin Bariso AUTHOR, EQ APPLIED in Inc.

IKEA Smart Home

 Have not seen too much of a move by IKEA as yet, especially in linking to other capabilities.  But here is one example.

IKEA's smart home system now supports scenes

Long-awaited shortcut buttons appear to be coming soon, too.

Jon Fingas in Engadget

IKEA is filling an important feature gap in its smart home system. The Verge reports that IKEA is adding scene support to Home Smart through a firmware update (1.12.31) for its Tradfri gateways, making it easy to control multiple devices at once without having to rely on other companies’ platforms. You can quickly dim the lights and silence your Symfonisk speakers when you’re getting ready for bed, for instance.... " 

Ikea Tries Virtual Influence, Happiness and More

So what is this?   An assistant?  An influencer in what sense?   Just to engage us?  An Android?  To do what for whom?  Assemble furniture or prepare meatballs?  Explores 'happiness at home'.   There is a video at the link, but we are warned 'nothing much happens'?   Ikea's innovation always gets my attention at least.

Ikea turned a virtual influencer into a physical installation in the Verge
Imma stopped by a store in Harajuku
By Andrew Webster n TheVerge

This past weekend, the Ikea Harajuku location in Tokyo was home to something unique: an installation starring a virtual person. The retail giant partnered with Imma, a virtual influencer, in order to explore the concept of “happiness at home.” Over three days, those passing by the first floor could peer into Imma’s living room, watching as she lounged on a couch, mindlessly browsing her phone. Meanwhile, a view into her bedroom was streamed on a screen on the second floor, viewable from Harajuku Station.

Of course, these weren’t real living spaces, since Imma is a CG model and not an actual human. But Ikea says that it created the installation using LED screens inside of the physical rooms, which were “curated” by Imma, to give the appearance of Imma being in a real place. You can watch a recap of the lengthy event below, though be warned not much happens.   ... " 

IKEA Previews its Smart Home Experience

Good overview here.  Unclear if they will be able to establish the needed infrastructure that consumers need to make this happen.   TheVerge make a good point that current installation methods are buggy and messy,  and hard to use by the average consumer.   The Ikea methods for these apparently were developed by Sonos,  but I have found  problems with Sonos as well.   Its not that methods used by Amazon, Google, Apple or Sonos are bad, it's just that they have to be made to work in many different contexts.   The expectation today is that most of these systems are installed, extended and maintained by the average consumer.   Will we have to move to professional installation only?   That could considerably decrease their sale.    Again below an excellent link to what Ikea is intending:

Ikea previews its improved 2020 smart home experience
By Thomas Ricker in TheVerge
But can it get the software right?

Now that the smart home is no longer just a hobby for Ikea, it’s addressing two of Home Smart’s biggest shortcomings: it lacks some of the basic features required to make homes truly smart, and the platform can be buggy and confusing to set up. The first issue will be addressed with the introduction of scenes and new Shortcut Buttons, and the second by a complete overhaul of the onboarding procedure, which is the way Ikea blinds, lights, and accessories are added to the Home Smart network.  .... " 

Ikea Plans a Smart Button for the Home

Am a fan of the idea of touch as well as voice.   Like in the now defunct Amazon Dash.   Now is nascent smarthome constructor IKEA taking over this channel?

Ikea’s smart button leaks with a tease of scenes to come
Ikea’s inexpensive Home smart ecosystem continues to grow

By Thomas Ricker in TheVerge

Ikea’s working on a new Shortcut Button that can activate a “scene” in homes that are fitted with the company’s smart products, according to a new Federal Communications Commission filing. A scene is typically defined as a set of event-driven (leaving home, having dinner, etc.) commands that are issued simultaneously to multiple smart home devices. The Tradfri Shortcut Button was first spotted by Dave Zatz, with Swedish site Teknikveckan speculating that it might be possible to add different pictograms behind the button’s plastic door to better identify its function.... "

IKEA Going Smart Home Tech

Will be interesting to watch, have an IKEA down the street, will be dropping in to hear of their plans.

Ikea goes all in on smart home tech
‘We are just getting started’

By Thomas Ricker @Trixxy  in TheVerge

Ikea is formalizing what has recently become all too obvious: the company is making a major bet on smart home tech as a source of new revenue. To do this, Ikea announced that it will invest heavily in a new “Ikea Home smart” business unit with end-to-end responsibility for its burgeoning portfolio of smart devices. With access to 780 million shoppers who visit Ikea stores each year, the announcement also serves as a wake-up call to smart home incumbents like Google and Amazon.  .... " 

IKEA as a delivering Foodchain

Never thought of the nearby IKEA as a food chain.   Although have always known about the meatballs.

Ikea is now the world’s 6th largest food chain, and it’s testing delivery to your door

Call it GrübHüb: The Swedish giant is reportedly testing delivery of its menu in Paris.  By Mark Wilson in  Fastcompany

The piles of Ikea’s meatballs, cinnamon rolls, and herring that hungry shoppers grab in Ikeas around the globe really add up—so much so that Ikea claims to be the world’s sixth largest food chain. After the Spanish publication El Confidencial reported that Ikea is thinking about expanding its food footprint even further into home deliveries, the company confirmed to Co.Design that it is current testing delivery in Paris.

The trial includes delivery of its Swedish foods—which include salads, salmon, beets, and cabbage—which are distributed out of its two-story, 58,000-square-foot urban store located centrally in the city. If the pilot is successful, Ikea may bring the idea to Spain and other European markets in the future. ... " 

IKEA 3D Prints

IKEA makes furniture more accessible with 3D printing
ThisAbles could help more people navigate their home.   By Jon Fingas in Engadget

IKEA to Save the Smart Home

Am a long time follower and customer of IKEA.  And in particular how they have used technology in marketing and supply chain.    Studied their use of augmented reality.  Now they appear to be pushing the smart home, the following is a considerable look at what they are up to.  It will be a tough sell to complete the infrastructure.  Read the whole thing at the link:

Ikea's Slow and Steady Plan to Save the Smart Home   By Brian Barrett  in Wired

A YEAR AND a half ago, Ikea became a smart home company, introducing a line of connected light bulbs to complement its lingonberries. This spring, it adds its second product category to its Home Smart lineup: a set of smart blinds, called Fyrtur, that open and close with the tap of a wireless remote or a voice command. Blinds might seem an odd choice to build on Ikea’s IoT momentum. In fact, there’s no better sign that the company has a better grip on the smart home than just about anybody.

Stories about the smart home tend to focus on the negative, and for good enough reason; how many other household items can be hacked by pranksters threatening nuclear war? But the problems associated with many connected devices belie that they can, in many instances, be genuinely useful. Take Ikea’s Trådfri LEDs, which focus on affordability and ease of use over flash. Or likewise its smart blinds, which exist explicitly to solve more problems than they create.  ... "

NVIDIA Test Robotic Kitchen

In our kitchen lab we also thought the kitchen was a key challenge for robotics, information exchange  and assistance.

This Ikea kitchen is incubating the robots of the future

At Nvidia’s new robot lab in Seattle, UW professor Dieter Fox is betting that a run-of-the-mill Ikea kitchen is the perfect test bed for his next-gen robots.   By Katherine Schwabs in Fastcompany

This week, the computer chip company Nvidia opened a new robotics lab in Seattle. The lab has a lot of what you might expect–loads of electronics and robotic parts, work spaces, and computers everywhere–but the centerpiece is a bit unorthodox: It’s an Ikea kitchen.

That’s because University of Washington robotics professor Dieter Fox, who is on leave from the university to head up this Nvidia lab, believes that the kitchen is the perfect test-bed for the robots of the future.  .... " 

IKEA and Sonos Prototyping Smart Speaker

Its just a prototype, but interested in IKEA's connection.   Would think they would be more interested in  links to existing systems like Amazon's or Google.  Just looked at Sono's connections to Alexa.  Following.

IKEA and Sonos show off their first smart speaker prototype
It's certainly something. ... 

By Rachel England, @rachel_england in Engadget ... " 

IKEA and Accenture Show a Tech Advanced Store

Again, IKEA looks quite advanced. 

IKEA asks, will virtual inventory be key to the new urban showroom?  by Matthew Stern in Retailwire.

The completely unique experience of shopping at an IKEA store is part of the brand’s appeal. But at World Mobile Congress, the chain gave a demo of a futuristic small-concept store that is far different from IKEA’s familiar labyrinth — and from other store concepts out there as well.

In partnership with Accenture, IKEA demoed a tech-enhanced store which, according to Retail Detail Europe, fits the chain’s entire expansive catalog into a small-format location. The walls are said to “double as screens filled with product information” and visitors can use an RFID-enabled version of the iconic IKEA pencil to make product selections, check out and specify if they will pick up the physical product or have it shipped.

A tweet by French tech journalist Simon Chodorge features a video of the demo. In it, the journalist can be seen tapping an RFID-enabled version of an IKEA pencil on active pads on tables near touch screens, which appear to be adding items to a shopping cart. The journalist then visits a central touch screen to check out ...... " 

Macy's Using Virtual Reality for Furniture Sales

Really a pretty old idea, was one of the first ideas we examined for demonstration and sales.    I encountered IKEAs approach in-store  just a few days ago, well done, but not enough AR to understand how your choices would fit in.   Also drove home the point that for store and online experiences the consumer needs to be able to use the system quickly.  Its different in research.   We experimented with it to understand how product would exist on shelves with other products.   See also approaches that mix VR, AR and physical digital displays, such as John Milby's Full Scale Virtual Research (FSVR).

Macy’s will use VR to sell furniture in 50 stores by summer
 By Jeremy Horowitz  @Horowitz  in Venturebeat

VR and online shopping are often portrayed as enemies of brick-and-mortar retail, but shopping mall anchor Macy’s plans to embrace both technologies in a bid to improve its sales, reports FurnitureToday. Speaking at the ShopTalk retail conference in Las Vegas, Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette announced that he will bring VR furniture-selling tools to 50 stores by this summer and plans to offer the immersive shopping technology in “as many stores as possible.”

According to Gennette, the virtue of virtual reality is its ability to “sell more furniture with less, or even no, square footage devoted to displaying it.” Macy’s piloted a VR system that let customers use a tablet to add furniture to a room, move the pieces around until they seemed optimal, then experience the fully furnished room using VR. The system enabled customers to feel more comfortable about furniture fit and “significantly increased” both total transaction sizes and sales of items that Macy’s carries but didn’t keep on site.  .... " 

Augmented Reality Sensing Form and Depth

Will this drive us to better augmented reality shopping?   At IKEA a few days ago I used some of their on floor furniture placement and design Apps, nicely done, but could have used better space understanding capabilities.  What really engages for product usage and selection  in-place?

Depth-Sensing, Algorithms And Retail Shopping Allowing AiFi To Push The Boundaries Of Interactivity

AiFi is combining artificial intelligence with mixed and augmented reality.   By Nina Salomons  in VRFocus.

Founded by former Google and Apple engineers, AiFi is combining artificial intelligence (A.I.) with ARKit on Apple products such as iPhones and iPads. Speaking to VRFocus, co-founder and CEO Steve Gu explained how AiFi has enabled consumer products to understand detailed 3D shapes and activities, including individuals and their surroundings.   .... " 

Discovering a Million Dollar Idea

Reminded of the use of the term:

IKEA's Idea Man Reveals How to Discover Your Own Million Dollar Idea
The process is called vu jàdé. That's déjà vu backwards, and anyone can do it.    By Chad Perry in Inc.