To handle the ever increasing volume of e-commerce, China’s logistics firms, which are crucial in executing orders and delivering them to customers in the shortest time, are undergoing a big transition to become much smarter.
In a conference hosted by Alibaba-backed logistics firm Cainiao, the company told reporters its warehouses in Tianjin and Guangzhou are now using robots.
One of the robots named after Chinese warlord Cao Cao is able to lift 50 kilograms of goods and move them to the right location at two meters per second.
After getting an order, Cao Cao promptly locates the goods and maps out the shortest route in the warehouse.
After picking up the items, the smart robot passes them to the packaging line. Drones are being developed to fly goods directly to customers.
Alibaba’s number one rival, JD.com, is also said to be upgrading its logistics capability and introducing more automation.
China’s e-commerce turnover exceeded 16 trillion yuan (US$2.43 trillion) in 2014, almost 60 percent more than the previous year.
About half of customer complaints center on delivery, which is why the logistics sector is investing heavily to improve customer experience and make sure they can capture the most from the fast-growing online shopping market.
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