Cainiao has opened its global warehouse network to partners in a bid to build what it calls the world’s largest logistics real-scene training cluster for AI and embodied intelligence, the company announced at a launch event in Hong Kong on 5 November.
Key Takeaways
- Cainiao is opening dozens of proof-of-concept scenarios in its warehouses for AI and robotics training.
- A new “Global Tech in Three Days” service targets AI computing and robotics firms expanding overseas.
- Initial cooperation agreements have been signed, with nearly 100 industry representatives at the launch.
Warehouses as a training ground for embodied AI
The initiative is aimed at supporting technology training, real-world validation and industrial deployment, as AI and robotics companies look for more practical ways to scale. Cainiao said it is opening dozens of industry-specific proof-of-concept scenarios, covering warehouse picking, intelligent navigation and delivery, high-altitude inspection, security operations, aviation logistics and auto parts management.
Partners will get a platform for joint research and development, real-machine training and business validation. Cainiao said its network, which spans domestic pickup, cross-border line-haul and overseas fulfillment, handles high volumes of multi-SKU shipments and offers a more realistic environment for embodied intelligence companies.
“AI has become a new engine of productivity,” said William Xiong, CEO of Cainiao Global. “Over the past decade, Cainiao has built an open, efficient and sustainable smart logistics network. As AI and embodied intelligence move from the lab into real industry, we want to leverage our global network to help partners accelerate value creation.”
“Global Tech in Three Days” for hardware makers
Cainiao also unveiled a service for consumer robot makers, AI computing companies and embodied intelligence hardware and component suppliers looking to expand globally. It offers customs support, forward and reverse logistics, high-value cargo insurance, forward warehousing and spare-parts management.
- Global express: for on-demand needs such as research and development testing, customer demos and small-batch replenishment.
- Global air freight: for large, high-value shipments including AI infrastructure equipment, control systems and core modules.
- Global warehouse network: for regional stocking, multi-country warehousing and local delivery.
“We want to extend the global logistics capabilities we have built for e-commerce into AI and embodied intelligence,” Xiong said. “Our goal is to make intelligent technologies go global as efficiently and simply as e-commerce parcels.”
Pilots under way across four sectors
Cainiao has scaled pilot deployments across express delivery, e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods and auto parts. These cover basic tasks such as parcel feeding and labeling, small-item sorting, and longer-horizon work such as palletizing and complex depalletizing.
The company said it has signed initial cooperation agreements with leading firms in AI computing and embodied intelligence, and will continue to expand partnerships with technology companies and research institutions. It also said the sector could see efficiency improvements of 10 to 50 times over the next decade.
