5G-based distribution warehouse debuts in Xiamen

A self-driving vehicle with 22 delivery lockers and an operation interface travels on the road in Xiamen to finish its delivery task. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

The first 5G-based cargo/passenger public transport hub in China made its debut in Xiamen, Fujian province, on May 16, local media reported.

Part of the transport hub serves as a distribution hub where a delivery robot delivers parcels to local residents living within a kilometer of the station.

The robot includes an operation interface and 22 express cabinets.

A human parcel handler logs in the operation interface and then put parcels into their respective cabinets after scanning a QR code. Meanwhile, the robot send texts to the recipients to tell them that their parcels will be delivered.

The robot is capable of traveling 40 kilometers after a full charge. When cars or human beings approach it, the robot will stop to check the traffic. It can also plan out a travel route by itself if necessary.

A woman surnamed Yang was the first recipient, getting her parcel after entering the code enclosed in the text onto the operation interface.

According to Wan Haibo, a manager from JD.com Inc, operator and developer of the delivery robot, if the recipient fails to take delivery of the parcel in time, the robot will take it back to the distribution hub and either deliver it again later or submit it for manual distribution.

Since last year, Xiamen Public Transport Group and JD Logistics have applied 5G technology to the transport industry in the city, preparing for large-scale application in 2019.