These self-charging machines are responsible for moving goods within the warehouse. They deliver items to workers who then pack the products for customers around the globe.

The 3,000-square-meter warehouse is located in Huiyang, Guangdong Province, in southern China, and is owned by T-mall, a part of Alibaba – the global online retailer.

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How Do They Work?

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The robots receive instructions via WiFi signals. They then locate the goods and transport them to designated pickup points, where workers can collect them. Each machine is equipped with laser detection technology to prevent collisions with one another. Once fully charged, a robot can operate continuously for up to 8 hours.

Measuring 90 cm (35 inches) long, 70 cm (27 inches) wide, and 30 cm (12 inches) tall, the Zhu Que robot can move at a speed of up to 1.5 meters (five feet) per second and carry loads as heavy as 500 kg. These machines have spared workers from having to run around the warehouse to locate goods.

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Traditionally, a worker sorts 1,500 products during a 7.5-hour shift while taking 27,924 steps. With the help of Zhu Que, that same worker can sort 3,000 products in the same amount of time while taking only 2,563 steps.

“Robots must collaborate and operate independently at the same time. They represent the highest level of Chinese warehouse robotics,” said Cainiao Logistics, the Alibaba subsidiary managing the warehouse. Logistics expert You Yuquan from Cai Niao added that the robots can lift and rotate shelves, making it easier for humans to access goods.

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China is the world’s largest e-commerce market.

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According to eMarketer, e-commerce sales in 2017 were projected to exceed USD 1.132 trillion (GBP 0.8 trillion), accounting for nearly half of global online sales. Logistics companies and online retailers are actively seeking ways to improve operational efficiency.

STO Express – one of China’s largest parcel delivery companies – is also using robots in its warehouses. In the STO Express warehouse in Linyi, 300 robots known as “Little Orange” sort 20,000 packages per hour. These self-charging robots help the company save 70% of the labor force in a 21,000-square-foot warehouse.

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