In a global first for urban logistics, a fleet of penguin-shaped delivery robots has begun using Shenzhen’s metro system as part of an integrated supply chain, marking a new milestone in automated goods distribution.
Developed by VX Logistics, a subsidiary of China’s Vanke Group, the autonomous robots were tested on Monday on Shenzhen Metro Line 2. The robots boarded a train at Wanxia Station, rode alongside passengers, and exited at their destinations to deliver goods to shops inside metro stations – without any human assistance.
The pilot project stands out not only for its novelty but for how it redefines the role of robots in supply chains. While delivery robots in the US and Europe are typically limited to short-range “last mile” use cases – navigating sidewalks to deliver food or parcels – Shenzhen’s system integrates robots into the existing metro infrastructure, enabling what could be called “middle-mile” automation. [Read more…] about Shenzhen’s ‘penguin’ robots ride the metro to restock shops in world-first delivery test