JD.com and Rakuten are now working together to see JD.com’s drones and autonomous delivery used in Rakuten’s unmanned delivery solutions in Japan.
The partnership will see JD.com combining their expertise in drone development with Rakuten’s knowledge in drone delivery operations in Japan to provide the convenience of fast delivery.
“We are delighted to begin this collaboration with JD.com, which boasts the most cutting-edge proprietary delivery network in China as well as a track record and know-how in delivery with drones and UGVs.By utilizing JD.com’s drones and UGVs with the unmanned delivery solutions created by Rakuten, we hope to accelerate innovation in the Japanese logistics sector and contribute to building a society that can offer greater convenience to all citizens.”
– Koji Ando, managing executive officer, Rakuten
“We have been using drones and autonomous delivery robots for real deliveries in China for over two years. This is one way we are innovating to make logistics more accessible, reliable and cost-effective. In Japan, there are many opportunities for drones to make deliveries in mountainous areas, remote islands and in emergency situations. As we push the bounds of what our autonomous delivery technology can do, and explore its use in a wide range of applications from e-commerce to humanitarian support, we believe it will continue to bring significant benefit to people around the world.”
– Jun Xiao, president, JD-X, JD’s logistics innovation lab
This news comes after JD.com have piloted a government approved drone delivery in Indonesia back in January.
