Bao Ge | October 30, 2025 |
In the heart of Huaqiangbei—China’s undisputed “No. 1 Electronics Street”—a silent revolution is underway. A fleet of sleek, autonomous “Xiaozhu” (Little Bamboo) delivery vans, developed by local AI powerhouse MINIEYE, has begun weaving through the district’s legendary chaos as part of Shenzhen’s groundbreaking “AI + Autonomous Logistics” pilot in Futian District.
This isn’t just a tech demo—it’s the real-world debut of Level 4 driverless vehicles in one of the planet’s densest commercial ecosystems.
A Logistics Giant Under Pressure
Huaqiangbei processes over 1.5 million parcels daily and more than one billion annually, with a combined value exceeding RMB 100 billion. Its narrow lanes, relentless foot traffic, and relentless motorbike swarms have long overwhelmed traditional delivery systems. Last-mile bottlenecks? Chronic. Congestion? Inevitable.
Enter Xiaozhu—a purpose-built solution to turn chaos into efficiency.
Powered by Cutting-Edge Autonomy
Backed by the Futian District AI Industry Office and operated in partnership with Shenzhen Bus Group, the pilot integrates MINIEYE’s battle-tested autonomous driving stack into urban logistics. Major players like Yunda Express and SF Express are already on board for field testing.
Each Xiaozhu van is a technological marvel:
- 3 LiDAR units + 11 cameras for 360° perception
- Multi-sensor fusion + city-level NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) algorithms
- End-to-end AI models trained for Huaqiangbei’s unique madness—darting pedestrians, erratic scooters, and sudden lane changes
- Level 4 autonomy validated through passenger-car-grade safety testing
With a 400–700 parcel capacity, support for multi-stop delivery and reverse pickup, and three daily scheduled runs, these vans are optimized for high-frequency, short-haul operations.
From Pilot to Everyday Reality
Currently operating on fixed routes around Sanda Industrial Park, SEG Technology Park, and Huakang Building, the Xiaozhu fleet is quietly proving that autonomous logistics can thrive in the wild. Every trip collects critical data on performance, road adaptability, and public trust—paving the way for broader deployment.
This isn’t just about moving packages. It’s about redefining urban productivity.
As Huaqiangbei evolves into a “new productivity hub” powered by AI, the arrival of Xiaozhu marks a turning point: intelligent transportation is no longer confined to test tracks or closed zones. It’s here—delivering your next gadget, one autonomous mile at a time.
October 30, 2025