Robot couriers begin delivering goods on Shenzhen subway

Shenzhen, China, has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in public transportation: 41 autonomous delivery robots have commenced transporting goods for 7-Eleven stores directly within the city metro system. These penguin-like machines represent the world first couriers to be fully integrated into a metropolitan subway network. The robots are equipped with an advanced spatial scanning system for navigating passenger flows and collision avoidance algorithms. They are capable of independently summoning elevators, passing through turnstiles using specialized chips, and synchronizing their movement with train schedules. Each unit possesses a carrying capacity of 50 kilograms and a battery life of 8 hours of continuous operation. This innovative initiative fully aligns with China "Intelligent Robot Development Plan," adopted in March. Shenzhen, home to over 1,600 robotics companies, is emerging as a critical testing ground for urban automation.