World-first: Penguin-like delivery robots ride trains to courier goods

Shenzhen has launched the world’s first fleet of autonomous delivery robots that ride the subway to restock 7-Eleven stores across the city. The 41 penguin-like robots, operated by VX Logistics (a unit of property giant Vanke partly owned by Shenzhen Metro), board trains during off-peak hours, navigate elevators and platform gaps, and deliver goods directly into over 100 outlets. Designed with specialized chassis and LED faces displaying friendly expressions, these robots address logistical challenges faced by human delivery workers who previously had to manually transport goods through subway stations. This initiative is part of Shenzhen’s broader “Embodied Intelligent Robot Action Plan,” aiming for widespread adoption of service and industrial robots by 2027. Shenzhen, a hub for robotics innovation, is pushing to move automation from factory settings into public-facing roles, aligning with national policies addressing an aging population and labor shortages. If successful, the subway delivery robots could pave the way for expanded urban logistics solutions, including parcel delivery and medical supply transport, making