Chinese logistics firm Cainiao, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, has launched the GT Pro, an advanced autonomous delivery vehicle designed for public road operations. The GT Pro is positioned as a significant enhancement of the GT model introduced last year, currently deployed across more than 10 provinces in China.
“The GT Pro brings significant improvements in design, range, algorithm optimization, and interactive features,” Cainiao said in a statement.
At 12 feet long, 7 feet high, and 4 feet wide, the GT Pro boasts compact dimensions comparable to small passenger cars like the Toyota Aygo X. Despite its size, the vehicle offers 176 cubic feet of cargo space, capable of carrying between 600 and 800 parcels per trip. Its range of 110 miles makes it suitable for urban and suburban delivery routes.
Kicking off the new year with a bang! 🎉 Cainiao’s upgraded L4 autonomous vehicle, the GT Pro, is here! With a sleek design, 180km range, and smarter sensors, it’s set to revolutionize last-mile delivery. 🚗💨 Watch the full video below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/yAkTXdbCi3
— Cainiao Group (@OfficialCainiao) January 3, 2025
The GT Pro features a comprehensive sensor suite, including one lidar sensor and 11 high-definition cameras, enabling enhanced environmental perception and Level 4 autonomous functionality. To improve safety and awareness, the vehicle uses distinctive colored lighting to communicate its operational status to other road users.
Operators manage the GT Pro via an app, with recipients notified via text when their delivery is near. Parcels are accessed by entering a code on a side-mounted keyboard. The vehicle is also weatherproof, ensuring reliable performance in all conditions.
Over the past decade, Cainiao’s autonomous vehicles have logged 2 million miles on both closed and public roads, delivering over 40 million parcels. The GT model launched last year marked a milestone in Cainiao’s autonomous efforts, with operations in provinces such as Zhejiang, Shandong, and Jiangsu. The GT Pro is expected to further expand this footprint.
Cainiao is also exploring long-term goals, including the elimination of high-precision mapping and applications for supermarket deliveries. “We’re looking at developing more customized versions of the GT Pro,” the company noted, signaling its commitment to broader use cases for its autonomous technology.