Chinese EV battery power solution provider U Power Limited has launched an AI-based autonomous unmanned battery-swapping logistics vehicle to meet the rapidly growing global demand for last-mile logistics delivery.
The vehicle, which has undergone road testing, is a key milestone in U Power’s comprehensive electrification strategy for sustainable logistics operations, achieving full coverage of autonomous battery swapping and self-driving capabilities in long-haul, regional and last-mile delivery scenarios.
According to Li Jia, the founder and CEO of U Power, delivery vehicles often need to operate continuously for 24 hours under high-intensity conditions. This creates a need for fully autonomous driving and energy replenishment capabilities in electric logistics vehicles. According to the company, the integration of autonomous driving technology with the UOTTA automated battery-swapping system is an optimal solution for achieving fully automated, unmanned operations.
Complete automation
Li Jia argued that currently available autonomous logistics vehicles rely on manual plug-in charging for energy replenishment, making it impossible to achieve truly unmanned operations. However, based on the UOTTA battery-swapping technology and through deep integration with AI, the system has achieved self-adaptive autonomous battery swap station matching in terms of perception, decision-making and control mechanisms.
“This has enabled the complete automation and unmanning of electric vehicle battery swap stations, ultimately achieving unmanned energy replenishment for autonomous vehicles, creating the world’s first fully autonomous new-energy vehicle operating solution,” Li Jia said.
Green logistics
U Power’s autonomous battery-swapping logistics vehicle employs an AI algorithm system based on convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to process multisensor data streams. This generates real-time path planning and decision-making, enhancing the vehicle’s emergency response capabilities in unexpected road situations. Additionally, the product’s data interface and cloud platform can integrate with various logistics enterprises and park systems, improving transportation efficiency.
“We have already initiated contact with prominent logistics companies in multiple markets, including Hong Kong, Thailand, Mexico, Peru and Portugal, to jointly promote the comprehensive application of autonomous logistics vehicles with self-operating battery swap capability and supporting solutions,” Li Jia added. “Through continuous technological innovation and market expansion, we will meet the green logistics transportation needs of various industry clients, providing robust momentum for low-carbon, sustainable development.”