CHINA has tested the autonomous delivery of goods using robots travelling on the Shenzen metro. The trial took place on July 14, when a fleet of robots travelled on Line 2 to deliver goods to retailers at Wanxia station. The test, reported by China Daily, is claimed to be a global first.
Observers were able to watch as the robots, designed by VX Logistics, boarded a metro train, travelled to Wanxia and alighted to deliver goods contained in their bodies to local retailers.
The trials aim to determine whether deliveries to retailers and other businesses located in underground stations could be made more efficient than using humans to move goods from trucks parked at ground level. The robots could be deployed during off-peak hours, enhancing delivery efficiency and reducing costs for retailers.
VX Logistics, a subsidiary of Vanke Group, says that the metro delivery robots are equipped with an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) logistics planner, panoramic Lidar, and an innovative chassis design.
The logistics system controls the route of each robot, optimising delivery based on order volumes, retailer locations, requested delivery times, and metro traffic conditions.
The Lidar enables the robots to navigate the metro system, mapping out the topography of stations and surrounding areas for precise movement. They can also recognise metro stations, autonomously use lifts and board and alight from trains.
