Chinese Startup Launches Autonomous Delivery Pod
Beijing-based Neolix Technologies Co. has begun making autonomous delivery vans at its facility in Changzhou.
Beijing-based Neolix Technologies Co. has begun making autonomous delivery vans at its facility in Changzhou.
The 4-year-old startup, which aims to produce 1,000 of the compact models by year-end, claims to be the first company in the world to mass produce a self-driving vehicle. Initial customers include Chinese tech giants Huawei Technologies Co. and JD.Com Inc.
Neolix has accumulated 500,000 km (310,000 miles) of testing with about 100 of the robo-vans in geofenced areas near Beijing and Changzhou over the last few years. The company expects usage to be limited for the next four years to low-speed deliveries at college campuses, industrial parks and residential communities, then gradually expand to use in cities and other venues.
The 146,000 sq-ft Changzhou factory has annual capacity of 30,000 vehicles. Neolix aims to more than triple production within five years, possibly including factories outside China. The company says it is talking with potential customers in Japan, Switzerland and the U.S.
Neolix was founded by entrepreneur Yu Enyuan, who previously specialized in digital assistants and other “smart” tools for the logistics industry. A video about the new delivery vehicles can be viewed HERE.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Multiple Choices for Light, High-Performance Chassis
How carbon fiber is utilized is as different as the vehicles on which it is used. From full carbon tubs to partial panels to welded steel tube sandwich structures, the only limitation is imagination.
-
Robotic Exoskeleton Amplifies Human Strength
The Sarcos Guardian XO Max full-body, all-electric exoskeleton features strength amplification of up to 20 to 1, making 200 pounds—the suit’s upper limit—feel like 10 pounds for the user.
-
When Automated Production Turning is the Low-Cost Option
For the right parts, or families of parts, an automated CNC turning cell is simply the least expensive way to produce high-quality parts. Here’s why.