‘Designed to ride elevators, board trains’: China deploys robots on trains for delivery; stores stocked without staff

In a first-of-its-kind move, the Chinese city of Shenzhen has started using autonomous delivery robots inside its subway network to restock 7-Eleven convenience stores located at various stations, South China Morning Post reported.The project, which began on Monday, involves 41 robots operated by VX Logistics, a subsidiary of property developer Vanke. Vanke is partly owned by Shenzhen Metro. According to a report by local news outlet SZNews, as cited by SCMP, these metre-tall robots are designed to ride elevators, get on and off platforms, board trains, and deliver goods to stores across the subway system.SZNews reported, as cited by SCMP, that the robots travel during off-peak hours and automatically exit at designated stations where 7-Eleven outlets are located. The machines then carry out deliveries that were earlier done manually by staff.“In the past, delivery workers had to park above ground, unload goods, and manually push them into subway stations,” Li Yanyan, a manager at one of the 7-Eleven stores involved in the project, told SZNews, as quoted by South China Morning Post. “Now, with robots, it’s much easier and more convenient.”The initiative is aimed at reducing the logistical challenges faced by shop staff working in metro stations. On their first day, the robots drew attention from passengers who stopped to take pictures as they lined up inside train carriages.The delivery system will be used to supply more than 100 7-Eleven stores located inside Shenzhen’s subway stations.“These robots are specially designed with unique chassis systems that allow them to cross gaps to enter lifts and carriages,” said Hou Shangjie, head of automation at VX Logistics, as quoted by SCMP. “They will continue to iterate based on real-world performance.”