The use of robots to deliver goods has been carried out for the past five years by several leading companies. It is seen as a short-distance delivery mode to customers because the batteries used do not allow it to deliver directly from the warehouse. In China, delivery robots can now use public transport to extend the operating range.
The robot developed by Vanke was tested using the subway system in Shenzhen. A total of 40 of these robots were used to deliver goods to a 7-Eleven convenience store located inside the station. In addition to being able to take public transport, they can also take elevators to enter and exit the station.
The tests are still in the early stages with Vanke and 7-Eleven wanting to use up to 100 robots to carry goods to stores that are experiencing stock shortages of certain items. At the moment, it operates off-peak hours with a LiDAR system to ensure that it does not hit human passengers while using the train.