Liu Lige, head of physical AI robotics at JD Logistics, states that the units will pick, sort, transport and deliver goods with minimal human intervention. The robot fleet also includes specialized units for cold environments down to minus 20 degrees.
Currently, JD.com and its affiliated companies employ around 700,000 people in delivery and logistics. To manage the transition as machines take over the physical tasks, founder Liu Qiangdong has initiated a program aimed at retraining delivery and warehouse staff for technical roles. The company announces that it intends to build a global robot maintenance service network with coverage in more than 100 countries, which is expected to create 100,000 new engineering jobs.
Ten million hours of operational data
To power the automated system and train the AI models, the company plans to collect over ten million hours of operational data from its warehouses, stores and pharmacies. Data processing will be handled by a new computer cluster equipped with 100,000 domestic chips, which is being built in collaboration with chip manufacturer Moore Threads. The company also plans to establish around 80 research and maintenance centers for robotics.
The technical transformation is taking place at a time when JD.com is actively expanding its international presence, especially in Europe. The group recently launched the Joybuy marketplace in six European countries and is currently awaiting the EU Commission's decision regarding the planned acquisition of the German electronics chain Ceconomy, a deal valued at 2.2 billion euros that is intended to give the company access to a European distribution network.