Little yellow horse

> Autonomous robots are delivering products ordered and paid via the phone to residents in a small Beijing compound

scanning the world around them, and a laser tele-detection system allowing them to avoid obstacles.

Liu’s firm has already signed up Suning, a large electronics firm that also runs a network of small supermarkets.

But not everyone is convinced the robots are a long-term logistics solution. Shao Zhonglin, former deputy secretary-general of the China Express Association, noted they were useful “over a short range”.

“It’s not certain however that they can be a broad solution for the final kilometre of delivery. Because the client still has to come down to get his package,” added Shao. “Plus the costs remain quite high: buying and maintaining the robots, operating costs, etc.”

But Zhen Robotics is convinced the costs will come down over time. CEO Liu also says the robot will soon be equipped with the necessary technology to operate a lift, meaning it will no longer be confined to ground-floor deliveries.

In the meantime, deliveries in China are increasingly being made by autonomous means. In recent months, several firms have received the green light to operate drones, either to deliver directly to the customer or to ferry goods between hubs.

And Liu has a warning for anyone trying to vandalise or steal the yellow robot.

“With GPS, we are constantly tracking them, cameras are filming and it can sound an alarm,” he said.

“Anyway, what would a thief do with it? It’s not exactly resellable.” – AFP-Relaxnews