Dreams will eventually become reality, will artificial intelligence realize an unmanned logistics system?

The independent innovation and application scenarios of unmanned technology are constantly deepening, and relevant policies are also being continuously improved. Recently, the Northwest Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued the "Management Measures for the Logistics and Distribution Operation of Civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Northwest Region (Trial)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"). The "Measures" stipulate that logistics drones with a take-off weight of no more than 300 kilograms can "fly" in the four northwestern provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, and Qinghai. This will be the first time that the restrictions on inter-provincial regions have been broken since the Northwest Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration issued the world's first provincial drone logistics operation license to JD.com.

As an important scenario for the application of artificial intelligence, unmanned logistics technology has gradually moved from the laboratory to the market. According to the 2018 national logistics operation data released by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, the total amount of national social logistics in 2018 was 283.1 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.4%. Among them, smart logistics such as unmanned warehouses, Internet transportation, and logistics cargo traceability have accelerated their development. So, how is artificial intelligence technology in unmanned logistics implemented?

Drones reduce logistics costs by 70%

With the rapid development of technology, JD.com, SF Express, Cainiao and other companies are actively developing drone logistics. On April 24, drone delivery company Google Wing also officially obtained the first domestic drone delivery license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States, and will start delivery in the United States this year.

Statistics show that in my country, terminal delivery costs account for more than 30% of the total cost of the logistics industry. Using drones instead of cars to deliver goods can reduce logistics costs by at least 70%.

"JD.com started building its own logistics system in 2007. After 12 years of accumulation, it has a wealth of logistics scenarios and is familiar with the pain points of the logistics industry." The relevant business manager of JD.com said in an exclusive interview with Science and Technology Daily that the rapid development of the business has also put forward higher requirements for logistics in terms of efficiency and cost. These are all important factors for JD Logistics to carry out research and development and application of unmanned technology for intelligent logistics.

In order to cope with the rapidly growing business needs, JD Logistics proposed a three-level drone + general aviation intelligent logistics system of "trunk-branch-terminal". At present, JD's terminal delivery drones have formed a mature operation model, and have achieved normal operation in 9 provinces including Shaanxi, Fujian, Hainan, and Jiangsu, and completed the first flight in Indonesia.

Forming an "unmanned" technology matrix

Unmanned logistics is not limited to drones. Unmanned warehouses and unmanned vehicles have also long been included in the "unmanned logistics matrix".

Forklifts take items from the shelves and put them onto conveyor belts, robotic arms sort them in an orderly manner, and small dump trucks come and go on designated routes... At JD.com's "Asia No. 1", you can see countless intelligent logistics robots of various types, which complete various tasks in the entire warehousing environment through mutual collaboration or close cooperation with people... There are more than 20 large-scale intelligent warehousing and logistics centers like this across the country.

Drones, unmanned warehouses and unmanned vehicles form an air-ground integrated intelligent logistics system. In the final delivery link, JD Logistics delivery robots have achieved regular delivery in more than 20 cities across the country, covering multiple scenarios such as closed parks, open roads, and express delivery connections, actively exploring solutions to the "last mile" problem of urban logistics delivery.

Unmanned technology has been applied in all aspects of logistics. For example, Cainiao has launched the first IoT robot distribution center in China in Nanjing. By applying computer vision and multi-agent robot dispatching technology, it has achieved full control, intelligent identification and rapid distribution of large parcels throughout the distribution center, which is 1.6 times more efficient than traditional manual distribution.

A relevant JD official said that in addition to internal innovation and application, JD Logistics officially opened its unmanned technology to the outside world in October 2018, providing multi-scenario intelligent robots, big data and machine learning, customized unmanned system solutions, borderless retail solutions, etc. to the whole society, and promoting cost optimization and intelligence level improvement in various industries through technology empowerment, data empowerment, and scenario empowerment.

In 2019, JD Logistics will continue to expand its opening up to the outside world. Through the efficient research and development of more new technologies, the cutting-edge application of new equipment and the implementation of cooperative projects, it will help partners to comprehensively improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize user experience, jointly promote the transformation of the logistics industry, and become a provider of intelligent upgrade solutions in more fields.

Expanding to unmanned supermarkets and restaurants

Unmanned technology has turned the smart logistics system from a dream into reality, while also promoting innovation in areas such as smart consumption and smart catering.

Through the application of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, biometrics and other technologies, JD X unmanned supermarkets have been put into operation in various scenarios including office parks, scenic spots, supermarkets, high-speed rail stations, gas stations, etc. In the integration of smart technology and catering scenarios, from ordering, preparing dishes, cooking, serving dishes to dining and settlement, smart robots and artificial intelligence backgrounds run through the entire restaurant operation process.

The scientific and technological achievements such as big data and AI algorithms behind unmanned technology have also promoted the establishment of technologies such as C2M reverse customization and logistics value supply chain centered on consumer personalized needs.

"Through accurate replenishment forecasts and merchandise layout, the value supply chain can help merchants achieve a spot rate and satisfaction rate of over 95%. At the same time, it can reduce inventory, reduce turnover days, and optimize the entire warehousing, transportation costs and operational investment. 90% of orders can be fulfilled within 24 hours, and stores can be replenished," said Yang Haifeng, head of JD Logistics' value supply chain business.

However, JD.com and others also stated that the development of unmanned logistics technology is still in its early stages, and there are still many problems to be solved, such as battery technology, true 5G network coverage, corresponding policies and regulations, and industry standards that need to be further standardized and improved to guide the industry to develop more healthily and orderly.