JD.com to Pilot Unmanned Delivery Robot in October
Ebrun, 9/01/16
Chinese B2C e-commerce platform JD.com (Nasdaq: JD) recently announced a new land-based unmanned delivery robot that can provide batch package delivery service for office buildings, local convenience stores, and other places with high delivery volumes. The delivery robots are currently being road tested, and pilot operations are expected to begin in October.
The unmanned delivery vehicles measure 1m*0.8m*0.6m and have six package containers of various sizes. The robots are equipped with electric motors, visual sensors, and radar, and generate a 3D map of their environment to determine the size and distance of obstacles to avoid collisions.
Using deep-learning algorithms, the vehicles can recognize traffic signals and lanes, and, through robotic positioning and mapping technology, can autonomously maintain awareness of their position and map location. Based on high-precision three-dimensional image data and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data, the vehicles can accurately plan and navigate a route. The robots' positioning systems can determine the vehicle's location to within several centimeters' accuracy. Real-time tracking and location reporting are used to ensure the safety of the vehicles and the packages they are carrying.
The unmanned delivery vehicles have already been integrated into JD.com's delivery systems, enabling data connection and control through all stages of the delivery process from package loading and transport to customer receipt. JD.com's mobile store program already uses big data to predict consumer demand within individual communities and to pre-deliver certain goods to local delivery hubs in anticipation of orders. When users place an order, the goods can be quickly loaded onto an unmanned vehicle for delivery. When a delivery vehicle reaches its destination, it will send a notification message to the recipient through JD.com's mobile app or through a text message. The user can then input a tracking number while standing next to the robot in order to unlock the package receptacle, allowing him/her to collect the delivery.
As of June 2016, JD.com operated seven major logistics centers throughout China, more than 200 large warehouses, and over 6,700 delivery and customer pick-up stations, reaching 2,600 communities nationwide. In April 2016, JD.com established a JDX business division to manage its smart logistics programs, including programs for fully automated logistics centers, robotic vehicles, warehouse robots, and self-driving delivery vehicles.
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