IMPORTANT: RetailDetail has upgraded its website. To regain access to your account and enjoy our plus-content, please select the ‘sign in’ button, enter your email address and choose a new password.
RetailDetail EU
Europe - EN
  • België - NL
  • Belgique - FR
  • Nederland - NL
  • Europe - EN
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Become a member
  • Sign in user
  • News
  • Events
  • Hunts
  • RetailHub
  • Food
  • Fashion
  • Home
  • Electronics
  • Beauty/Care
  • DIY/Garden
  • Leisure
  • General
RetailDetail EU
Europe - EN
  • België - NL
  • Belgique - FR
  • Nederland - NL
  • Europe - EN
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Sign in user
  • News
    • Food
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Electronics
    • Beauty/Care
    • DIY/Garden
    • Leisure
    • General
  • Events
  • Hunts
  • RetailHub
user
Written by Jorg Snoeck
In this article
Share article
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • email

Alibaba to start delivery with autonomous robots

iconGeneral22 September, 2020

As from next year, Alibaba will start delivering online orders with autonomous robots. At its annual technology conference, the Chinese Amazon rival unveiled its new fleet of self-driving robots, capable of finding their way all by themselves.

 

“Competent donkeys”

Alibaba will be hiring donkeys next year. At least, fully automated and self-driving robots that are given the name Xiaomanlv, freely translated as “competent donkey”. As from 2021 the robots will help with the e-commerce group’s deliveries to thousands of places in China. In the future, Alibaba also wants to make them available to local parcel delivery companies.
 

The compact robots can deliver up to 500 parcels a day, for example in a neighbourhood or on a campus, as they can transport around 50 orders at a time and cover a distance of 100 kilometres per load. DAMO Academy, Alibaba’s own research and innovation institute, announced this at the 12th edition of Apsara, the group’s annual technology conference.
 

The delivery robots are equipped with advanced geolocalisation and deep-learning technologies to help them navigate even when the GPS signal is weak or non-existent or where many people are present. The donkey can identify obstacles and anticipate the movements of other road users and vehicles, according to Jack Ma’s company. When users place an order, they can choose a delivery time and when the robot arrives at its destination, customers are informed. They can take their parcel out of the robot by entering a previously received code, writes L’Usine Digitale.

 

60 billion parcels

It is the first time that Alibaba is rolling out autonomous robots on a large scale for ‘last mile’ deliveries. Previously, logistics subsidiary Cainiao had already massively deployed robotics in the company’s automated warehouses. However, the group expects consumers to demand even more and faster deliveries in “the increasingly digitised world”. According to the Chinese state postal agency, the demand for courier services in the country has risen sharply, with more than 60 billion parcels delivered in 2019 – an increase of 20% compared to 2018.
 

Alibaba’s cloud computing department also unveiled a new mini-computer which weighs no more than an egg. The 60g personal cloud computer can be connected to any computer screen, and would be more efficient and offer more cloud computing capabilities than many other PCs. Alibaba thus wants to make it easier to have a computer at hand wherever and whenever it is needed.

Stay up-to-date

Receive our free newsletters and do not miss out on the latest retail news.

Subscribe
logo

As from next year, Alibaba will start delivering online orders with autonomous robots. At its annual technology conference, the Chinese Amazon rival unveiled its new fleet of self-driving robots, capable of finding their way all by themselves.   “Competent donkeys” Alibaba will be hiring donkeys next year. At least, fully automated and self-driving robots that are given the name Xiaomanlv, freely translated as “competent donkey”. As from 2021 the robots will help with the e-commerce group’s deliveries to thousands of places in China. In the future, Alibaba also wants to make them available to local parcel delivery companies.   The...

More on General
See more
  • iconGeneral17 May, 2022
    Amazon pays shoppers to spy on competitors

    Amazon is sending consumers to investigate other retailers. The e-commerce giant is launching a cashback programme that allows customers to earn money by shopping at competitors. In exchange for data, obviously.

  • iconGeneral10 May, 2022
    Philip Morris to spend 15 billion on Swedish tobacco

    Cigarette manufacturer Philip Morris is in takeover talks with Swedish Match, a Swedish manufacturer of smokeless tobacco products.

  • iconGeneral4 May, 2022
    3+1 questions you should ask yourself to prevent waste in e-commerce

    (Advertorial) E-commerce is the fastest-growing segment of Europe’s retail markets. Online shopping is getting easier: people can place orders through social media, at virtual shopping events, and even using smart speakers.  This is great for manufacturers and service providers, online stores and internet retailers. But it’s not such good news...

Events
  • 9
    Jun
    Future of Food Congress
  • 14
    Sep
    Captains of Retail 2022
  • 22
    Sep
    RetailDetail Day 2022
  • 13
    Oct
    Human Resources & People Congress
  • 20
    Oct
    Trade & Shopper Marketing Congress
  • 24
    Nov
    RetailDetail Night 2022
Most read
  • iconGeneral17 May, 2022
    Amazon pays shoppers to spy on competitors
  • iconFood17 May, 2022
    Flash delivery service Flink acquires French competitor Cajoo
  • iconElectronics17 May, 2022
    Media Markt sells 40% less online post-pandemic
  • iconFood16 May, 2022
    “Private label will gain even more importance during this crisis”
Follow RetailDetail
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • linkedIn
footer-logo
RetailDetail, the leading b2b-retailcommunity in the Benelux, keeps retail professionals up-to-date by means of online & offline publications, retail events, inspiring retail hunts and the unique co-creation platform retailhub, where retailers and their suppliers can experience the future of shopping.
RetailDetail Mailing Address:
Kolveniersstraat 7, bus 26 
2000 Antwerp
Visiting address:
Stadsfeestzaal – Meir 78 
2000 Antwerp
How to reach us:
Directions
© 2022 RetailDetail
general conditions | privacy policy
+32 3 500 89 59 info@retaildetail.be