Ikea will has said it will provide AI literacy training to around 3,000 employees and 500 senior staff.

The scheme will include a variety of courses for different employees at various levels within Ikea. Courses include “AI fundamentals”, which will be available to all employees, along with specialised training including “responsible AI”, “mastering genAI”, and “algorithmic training for ethics.”

Ikea is already using AI tools across the business, including a copilot tool developed in collaboration Microsoft to help employees with image creation and generating ideas.

The Swedish homeware retailer said the training programmes will ensure that employees are empowered to lead in in an era where AI is used every day.

The retail giant says the training will ensure that an understanding of AI is embedded across its organisation, with the company’s values reflected in the way the technology is used.

Ikea has also invested in an accelerator programme for those holding a master’s degree or PhD qualification in data science, machine learning or large language models. The retailer said it hopes to fill roles by attracting and nurturing the right talent.

“This effort is a testament to the Ikea belief in the power of its people to harness technology for greater creativity, efficiency, and results,” said Parag Parekh, chief digital officer at Ikea Retail (Ingka Group). “Our vision is clear, it’s about enhancing the capabilities of co-workers through technology, ensuring that IKEA continues to be the place where innovation and compassion go hand in hand.”

Asam Malik, partner, technology & digital consulting at Mazars said that AI is becoming more accessible and the cost of implementing it has been reduced and it is likely more retailers will introduce it into their processes.

“Ikea’s decision to offer AI training to their staff signals that in the near future, using AI to support the work staff will be as commonplace as using Google for everyday searches," he added. "AI literacy is essential as competitors are already leveraging this, and customers will expect companies to use AI to give them a more tailored, faster and enhanced customer experience.

“Training staff to be AI literate means that companies will ensure their position at the forefront of innovation, and can leverage AI technology better and identify areas where AI can transform their business. Without training, AI would be implemented but its full potential will never be achieved, leaving companies behind.”

Ikea has also been rolling out AI tools for its customers.

In February, the company launched an AI-powered home design tool on the OpenAI GPT store to enable users to plan and design their space.

Ikea AI assistant gives users personalised furniture and decor suggestions based on factors such as room dimensions, personal style, budget and other requirements.

Ikea’s latest AI development comes as companies across the retail industry explore the benefits of emerging technologies like generative AI for both their staff and customers.

Next and FatFace recently helped build a new GenAI-powered dashboard designed to improve staff mental health.

The companies joined a handful of retail employers who partnered with charity the Retail Trust to deliver the new technology.

In March, Puma rolled out Google Cloud’s data, analytics and AI technology as part of plans to improve its e-commerce offering.

The sportswear giant said that the move would help it implement GenAI shopping assistants, virtual try-ons, and AI-driven loyalty programmes.

Likewise last month Matalan launched a genAI tool that creates detailed product descriptions for new items online in what it describes as an "industry first".

The new model, developed by digital transformation consultancy Kin + Carta, was built in just three weeks using Vertex AI, part of the Google Cloud suite.

Whether other retailers will follow in Ikea’s stead by implementing comprehensive AI training across their businesses is yet to be seen.

---