Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, the logistics affiliate of the Alibaba Group, aims to speed up the digitisation of China’s shipping industry and work with industry partners to create RMB50bn (US$7.25bn) in value for the industry over the next three years.
One area of investment is Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Cainiao aims to connect 100m smart devices to its IoT technologies, including its connected devices, warehouse and delivery robots and algorithm-backed management systems.
Daniel Zhang, Alibaba Group CEO and chairman of Cainiao, said: “We are working with partners to digitise warehouses, equipment, transportation vehicles [and] warehouse pickers’ handheld devices.”
Cainiao also wants to leverage its package-tracking and shipping-services app, “Cainiao Guoguo”. The app allows consumers to automatically fill out shipping details and track parcels in real-time on their smartphones, as well as notifying carries when consumers near them process shipping requests.
The company plans to expand its “Cainiao Post” pick-up network to 100,000 locations in three years. It has also been testing other technologies such as pick-up lockers that automatically shift their storage space based on the size of parcels, and an unmanned delivery helicopter.
Separately, Cainiao pledged to continue expanding its sustainability efforts, announcing plans to set up another 50,000 recycling stations for unwanted shipping boxes. These efforts will involve partnering with leading express delivery companies, including STO Express, Yunda Express, YTO Express, ZTO Express and Best Express.
Source: Alizila
