In a global first for urban logistics, a fleet of penguin-shaped delivery robots has begun using Shenzhen’s metro system as part of an integrated supply chain, marking a new milestone in automated goods distribution.

Developed by VX Logistics, a subsidiary of China’s Vanke Group, the autonomous robots were tested on Monday on Shenzhen Metro Line 2. The robots boarded a train at Wanxia Station, rode alongside passengers, and exited at their destinations to deliver goods to shops inside metro stations – without any human assistance.

The pilot project stands out not only for its novelty but for how it redefines the role of robots in supply chains. While delivery robots in the US and Europe are typically limited to short-range “last mile” use cases – navigating sidewalks to deliver food or parcels – Shenzhen’s system integrates robots into the existing metro infrastructure, enabling what could be called “middle-mile” automation.

Each robot is equipped with a panoramic lidar system for navigation, a chassis that can handle elevators and train gaps, and an AI-powered dispatching system that determines optimal delivery routes based on real-time order data, shop location, and train schedules.

The cargo is stored inside the robot’s rotund body, which is about the size of a suitcase and styled to resemble a penguin – a design chosen for both functionality and approachability.

The goal is to make metro-based logistics more efficient for underground convenience stores and kiosks, many of which are operated by major chains like 7-Eleven. Traditionally, these shops rely on human couriers to hand-carry goods from street-level trucks – a process hampered by traffic congestion, lack of parking, and scheduling conflicts with rush-hour passenger flow.

By operating during off-peak hours and utilizing unused capacity in public transport, the robots could reduce labor costs, alleviate surface-level congestion, and offer a more sustainable alternative to truck-based delivery.

VX Logistics says the system is still in a trial phase, but the company sees broader potential across China’s vast metro networks. “We want to turn the subway into a flexible delivery artery,” a VX spokesperson said, noting that future versions may carry multiple parcels for different stops and connect with other transport modes.

The test hints at a future where urban logistics is not just automated, but multimodal – seamlessly blending rail, robotics, and AI.