VX Logistics scales AI and robotic delivery across China's fresh produce cold chain

VX Logistics is expanding the use of AI, automation, and digital monitoring systems across fresh fruit and vegetable supply chains in China, with a new deployment of delivery robots at 61 metro stations in Shenzhen.

Robotic delivery at metro stations

The company has developed a robot specifically for deliveries to retailers located at metro stations. The system is now deployed at 61 Shenzhen metro stations, where the robots carry out replenishment and delivery tasks for those retailers.

AI vision and automated operations

AI vision technology is applied to sorting and quality inspection, assessing fruit coloration, size, and defects. Automated equipment handles repetitive warehouse operations, including material handling and palletizing. During transport, IoT sensors monitor load temperature and location in real time and can issue alerts when issues are detected.

These systems operate alongside VX Logistics' OTWB end-to-end management system and digital platforms, which include IoT-based cold-chain temperature monitoring. According to the company, the systems are intended to connect data across different stages of the supply chain.

Brand partnerships and scale

• For berries, VX Logistics has developed an end-to-end system covering temperature and humidity management and warehouse throughput. According to the company, the system supports the annual market launch of close to 200 million boxes of Driscoll's berries.
• VX Logistics also operates a supply chain system for Zespri in China, covering warehousing, quality inspection, ripening, automated sorting, and packaging. The two companies have worked together for more than a decade.
• The company's cold-chain operations are also used by fruit brands including Envy Apples and Rockit.

VX Logistics has been developing its cold-chain network for 13 years, with technology focused on temperature and humidity management, quality monitoring, warehousing, sorting, packaging, and transport.

Quality control and branding

The company said these systems are also used to provide fruit suppliers with more information about product condition after imported shipments arrive at Chinese ports, including data on arrival temperatures, handling, and outbound movements.

Emma Wu, chairperson of VX Logistics, noted that a growing number of international brands are registering Chinese brand names, setting up dedicated consumer brand teams, and increasing their investment at the retail end. She explained that the essence of branding lies in brand owners extending their quality commitment to the end consumer, which in turn requires maintaining effective control of product condition at every link of the domestic supply chain. She added that the same applies to Chinese brands going global.