Robots deliver 30 packages at a time

Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com is expanding the use of autonomous vehicles for delivery in its bid to move goods to consumers faster and more efficiently while cutting out the middleman. The company, which also operated the world’s first fully automated distribution centre, has  increasingly invested in autonomous logistics capabilities – and has its sights set on 100% control of the logistics process. It employs big data and consumer insights in order to adjust manufacturing and marketing approaches so that they can supply consumers with the products they want before they even know they want them. In the latest move the company has launched two smart delivery stations that house research and development, testing and personnel training to solve issues related to last mile delivery. Robotics and automation are seen as the enabling technologies for same-day delivery, while big data allows them to identify products consumers want before they even know it. JD’s in-house logistics network already covers 99% of China’s population and can deliver more than 90% of orders on the same – or next day. The company’s fleet of robotic vehicles can autonomously deliver up to 30 packages at a time within a 4.9km radius, planning routes, avoiding obstacles, and recognising traffic lights. The robots use facial recognition technology to ensure packages are delivered to the correct recipient. The two new delivery stations will operate with 50% robots and 50% human delivery staff delivering up to 2000 packages per day.