A driverless delivery vehicle drives down a street in Hai'an. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

In recent years, Hai'an's express delivery industry has experienced rapid growth. Faced with challenges such as low efficiency and high costs associated with traditional manual delivery methods, the rise of unmanned vehicles is offering logistics companies a transformative solution.

On June 30, Neolix, a Beijing-based tech firm operating the world's first L4-level autonomous vehicle manufacturing base, launched its Yangtze River Delta operations center in Hai'an. Meanwhile, construction began on a citywide autonomous vehicle demonstration zone within the Hai'an Commerce and Logistics Park. This marks a major step forward in Hai'an's push to accelerate the comprehensive deployment of unmanned delivery systems.

To date, 50 driverless vehicles have been rolled out in Hai'an. These smart delivery vehicles navigate between supermarkets, restaurants, corporate canteens, and even villages, efficiently transporting packages. Equipped with real-time tracking features, users can monitor speed, remaining battery life, and estimated arrival times, making the service both intelligent and highly convenient.

Tian Ye, head of Nantong Rongyuan Zhixing Intelligent Technology, noted that the company plans to establish a full-service platform for unmanned vehicles in Hai'an. The platform will offer exhibition, sales, maintenance, and operational design services. Additionally, the team plans to expand the vehicles' capabilities with cold-chain modules, security patrol functions, and localized manufacturing partnerships.