Recently, smart connected autonomous vehicles from SF Express and JD Logistics have officially been deployed in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
The first batch of nine unmanned delivery vehicles has already begun testing and will soon be put into operation. The service routes will cover the Hengqin-Macao Youth Entrepreneurship Valley, Inno Valley HQ, Macau New Neighbourhood, Hengqin Headquarters, Ponto Legend, Songqin, Chimelong, and other scenic spots and areas.
Each vehicle can complete an average of 4 to 6 delivery trips per day, carrying 250 to 500 parcels per trip, significantly reducing last-mile delivery time. Calculations show that the integration of unmanned delivery vehicles has boosted operational efficiency by 2 to 3 times, improved human productivity by about 10%, and lowered logistics costs by around 23%.
Equipped with LiDAR, HD cameras, positioning systems, and intelligent decision-making systems, the vehicles can detect their surroundings in real time and perform autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and traffic light recognition. They support 24/7 operation and are equipped with multiple safety features, including emergency braking, remote monitoring, and commercial insurance.
This marks another innovative application of intelligent connected autonomous driving technology in Hengqin, following the deployment of Robobuses, Robotaxis, and autonomous sanitation vehicles.
A pilot plan has also been introduced to provide full-process regulatory support for such unmanned vehicles. Moving forward, Hengqin will explore cross-border applications and collaborations of unmanned delivery vehicles under the “Hengqin + Macao” framework.
Reporter | Dai Bosi
Photo | Hengqin Online
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He
