China leader in robotvan deployment – Neolix with 10,000 autonomous vehicles in the logistics market

chiny24.com 3 weeks ago

Robovany in action: logistics without driver

Every day after 20:00, erstwhile traffic at Shanghai Futian railway station in Shenzhen subsides, autonomous logistics vehicles called robovans appear on the platform. They decision through the designated section by transporting shipments from the warehouse to the platform point. Each has a capacity of 3 ml and can carry up to 500 kg of cargo. erstwhile vehicles stop, SF Express employees – 1 of the largest Chinese courier operators – take over packages and place them on subway trains that transport them to the central logistics center.

Robovanes decision slower than a man – at a velocity somewhat higher than the march – and require the support of the personnel during unloading. Nevertheless, they are reliable in closed environments, specified as metro stations, where autonomous navigation systems operate more efficiently than on public roads.

Chinese leader: Neolix reaches a milestone

Neolix, based in Beijing, announced in October 2025 that it had launched 10,000 robotvans – the world's first company to accomplish this level of autonomous vehicle deployment. Will Zhao, the operating manager of Neolix, forecasts that this number may emergence to 10 million over the next 10 years.

"Algorithms will get better and faster vehicles – if they stay safe," said Zhao in an interview with Nikkei Asia. In his view, Robovana is the first viable marketplace for autonomous vehicles, as they do not gotta meet specified advanced safety standards as passenger vehicles.

Cost force in the Chinese e-commerce sector

In 2024, the average Chinese citizen received over 100 parcels per year, making this country the world's largest e-commerce market. The low transportation price – frequently below $1 – forces courier companies to fight on a scale, leading to a drastic simplification in profit margins. In the first half of 2025, companies specified as ZTO Express, YTO Express, SF Holding and JD Logistics reported a decrease in profitability.

In this situation, autonomous logistics becomes an attractive solution. SF Express in June this year had already 1,800 robotvans. China Post and JD Logistics have besides joined Neolix, who test vehicles in Shenzhen, among others.

Benefits of the local supply chain

Chinese companies producing Robovanes usage the mature national supply chain. LiDAR sensor prices – crucial for autonomous navigation – decreased importantly due to competition among Chinese producers. Chinese companies are besides leaders in battery production and are rapidly developing competence in integrated circuits to autonomous systems.

The deficiency of space for drivers reduces costs by up to 20-30% compared to conventional commercial vehicles. “No cabin, air conditioning or speakers needed”, Zhao said, adding that the savings are even higher after taking account of the driver’s salary.

Government support and global development

The Chinese government, as part of president Xi Jinping's strategy of "leadership in future technologies", actively supports the improvement of autonomous vehicles. Beijing granted Neolix the country's first bug licence in 2021. In 2024, Qingdao allowed tests on 121 streets in 8 districts, and Shenzhen announced the anticipation of moving autonomous vehicles on routes connecting different districts.

Neolix besides plans to grow abroad. The company announced trials in Incheon (South Korea) and the United arabian Emirates, as well as expressed optimism about Japan, where the government announced "intense testing" of transportation robots over the next 3 years. Zhao expects abroad orders to exceed 1,000 vehicles by the end of 2025.

Challenges and perspectives

Despite dynamic growth, Robovans inactive do not replace motorcycles on the last part of the transportation (last mile) – for example, they cannot deliver packages straight to the door or kind shipments. In addition, local authorities are reluctant to let them to operate on motorways due to the hazard of accidents.

However, investors believe in marketplace potential: Neolix raised 1 billion yuan (about US$140 million) in February 2025 and is preparing another, larger circular of backing that could precede the Hong Kong stock marketplace debut as early as 2026. Competition is besides developing – Zelostech, supported by Ant Group (Alibaba group), has just raised US$100 million.

On the global stage, American companies, specified as Starship or Nuro, besides make autonomous transportation solutions, albeit on a smaller scale. However, Neolix is counting on the advantage resulting from the immense Chinese market, the readiness of logistics companies to adopt technology and state support.

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