Zeyi Yang, a technology correspondent covering China and East Asia for MIT Technology Review, explores the innovative drone delivery system implemented by Meituan, a Chinese delivery giant, in the bustling city of Shenzhen.
In this article, we explore the operational intricacies, technological advancements, regulatory challenges, and potential future developments of drone delivery services.
Meituan: Pioneering Drone Delivery in Urban Neighborhoods in Shenzhen
While many international corporations have shown interest in drone delivery, Meituan stands out by providing its services in densely populated urban neighbourhoods. This strategic choice caters to the needs of China, where high-rise apartment buildings house a significant portion of the population reliant on daily food deliveries.
Unlike traditional doorstep deliveries, Meituan has established pickup kiosks in close proximity to residential and office buildings. Drones transport packages to these kiosks, optimizing navigation through predetermined routes and streamlining the delivery process.
Although this method may be less convenient for customers, it enables efficient drone operation within challenging urban environments.
Meituan’s Success and Expansion
In 2022, Meituan successfully completed over 100,000 drone deliveries in Shenzhen alone. While initial experiences may not always be flawless, Meituan’s progress highlights the feasibility of regular drone delivery services in cities, even with certain compromises in user experience.
To gain insight into the company’s operations, a visit to one of their drone launchpads reveals the underlying mechanisms.
The Rooftop “Airport”
Meituan operates drone launchpads on the rooftops of various buildings in Shenzhen. These serve as takeoff and landing sites for the delivery drones, with support staff stationed in these locations. Each drone follows a precise workflow that combines both human and automated labour.
Upon receiving an order, a Meituan runner retrieves the items from partner restaurants located within the shopping mall. After ensuring the order meets the necessary criteria, including weight limitations, the runner seals the package and transfers it to a designated worker responsible for drone handling. The worker secures the package beneath the drone and awaits its lock-in.
The subsequent delivery process is highly automated, thanks to a centralized control room overseeing the drones’ movements. Meituan employs an advanced algorithm to determine precise delivery routes, allowing customers to expect their orders with an accuracy of seconds rather than minutes. The company maintains a team of operators who monitor multiple drones simultaneously, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
Automation and Future Prospects
Meituan acknowledges the significance of human labour in certain aspects of the delivery process. However, the company plans to automate operations further to enhance efficiency. Tasks such as loading packages onto drones and replacing batteries are envisioned to be carried out by robots.
By transforming launchpads into fully automated assembly lines, Meituan aims to minimize human involvement, focusing solely on preparing nonstandardized items for delivery.
Regulatory and Economic Considerations
While technical obstacles for drone delivery have largely been overcome, the viability and sustainability of such services are subject to regulatory frameworks and economic factors. Jonathan Roberts, a robotics professor, highlights that while reliable drone delivery is feasible, its financial feasibility remains uncertain.
Regulations dictate the selection of operational areas for companies. Meituan benefited from the favourable drone manufacturing supply chain and supportive government policies in Shenzhen. China’s Special Economic Zones, including Shenzhen, enjoy greater flexibility in commercial drone legislation.
Consequently, Meituan has concentrated its drone delivery experiments in Shenzhen, with occasional deployments in other cities.
The decision to initiate drone delivery in rural or urban areas varies among companies. While some international counterparts test their services in affluent suburban neighbourhoods, Chinese companies such as JD and SF Express prioritize rural areas with underdeveloped ground transportation infrastructure.
Although this approach may not generate optimal profits, it mitigates the safety risks associated with operating drones in rural environments.
Safety and Trust
Safety is a primary concern in drone operations. Meituan has taken significant measures to ensure the safe operation of its drones in urban settings. The company employs stable wing designs to withstand strong winds and has developed a computer vision-based navigation system to complement GPS signals hindered by tall buildings.
Obtaining a commercial drone delivery license from China’s aviation authority further attests to Meituan’s commitment to safety. However, building residents’ trust in this new mode of delivery remains an ongoing process that necessitates education and demonstrative efforts.
Customers and Vendors Embrace the Change
Vendors and customers in Shenzhen have gradually become accustomed to Meituan’s drone delivery service. Restaurants find it advantageous due to improved predictability and reduced risks associated with traditional delivery workers. Customers, too, appreciate the convenience and sustainability offered by drone deliveries, as well as the elimination of direct communication with delivery workers.
Meituan’s Vision: Humans and Drones in Harmony
Meituan does not aim to replace delivery workers entirely. Instead, they envision a future where drones complement humans by reaching inaccessible locations or fulfilling urgent tasks. Meituan anticipates that drones will account for a small percentage of all delivery orders, adding value and convenience without eliminating human involvement.
The Future of Drone Delivery
Although Meituan’s drone delivery service is still in its early stages, it has shown promising results in Shenzhen. With continuous expansion and optimization, including an increased number of vendors and pickup kiosks, Meituan expects widespread adoption of their service within three to five years.
While the sci-fi dream of drones delivering directly to customers’ windows may take another two to three decades to materialize, Meituan remains committed to making drone delivery a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly option for urban dwellers.
