Chinese eCommerce giant JD has launched a 5G-powered smart logistics park in Beijing which aims to improve operating efficiency. The new warehousing facility contains a new real-time monitoring system designed to detect problems as they occur to ensure a quicker solution. Wenming Zhe, chief architect of logistics R&D, head of 5G-powered smart logistics park projects at JD Logistics, said:

“The launch of JD’s 5G-powered smart logistics park in Beijing – the first of its kind – is an exciting step in the realisation of the Industrial Internet of Things at scale.

The low latency, high-speed, and ability to support a broad spectrum of simultaneous connections provided by 5G networks creates an unprecedented level of real-time connectivity, significantly improving the efficiency of JD’s fulfilment operations, which is key to providing the best customer service in the business.”

Assets at the new warehouse will be connected to facilitate “instantaneous communication between human employees and smart machines,” and enable holistic monitoring of operations. The real-time monitoring system will keep track of assets such as forklifts and pallets. For example, if a forklift has been parked in the wrong location – or taken an inefficient route – an alert could be issued to ensure safety and maintain smooth operations. JD Logistics said: “The 5G system will also greatly improve the efficiency of operations within the facility through smart parking that guides incoming vehicles to the most appropriate parking space or docking bay, and digital docking bay which can do real-time monitoring [of] the truck [when] loading and unloading goods.” 5G is enabling JD Logistics to incorporate new IIoT technologies into its operations. JD says the innovations it’s announced so far are just the beginning of its ambitions to further drive efficiency across its supply chains using the IIoT. Want to find out about digital twins from executives and thought leaders in this space? Find out more about the Digital Twin World event, taking place on 9 November 2021, which will explore augmenting business outcomes in more depth and the industries that will benefit.