Introduction

While other cities are still in the midst of debates over whether autonomous vehicles can safely take to the roads, Shunde has boldly advanced by hosting an "Autonomous Vehicle Annual Gathering" within a factory setting. On February 3, 2026, the event, themed "Smart Mobility Shunde: Connecting the Future," featured 28 autonomous vehicles showcasing their prowess in a variety of tasks, including sweeping, patrolling, and delivery. Companies such as Neolix, 9F Robot, WeRide, and BaiRhino set up booths, while China Post, Meituan, and Meipu Zhixing placed on-site "orders." A statement from a leader at the Shunde District Transportation Bureau sparked enthusiasm: "In the future, autonomous vehicles will halve logistics costs for traditional manufacturing!"

(For more information, please click: 'Guangdong Foshan Autonomous Logistics Vehicles Make a Double Impact: Nanhai's Locally-Made Autonomous Vehicles Enter Mass Production + Shunde's Large-Scale Deployment of Autonomous Vehicles, Paving a New Path from Manufacturing to Application.')

I. Policy Support: Paving the Way for Autonomous Vehicles to "Accelerate, Operate Smoothly, and Go Far"

The rapid deployment of autonomous vehicles in Shunde is underpinned by visionary policy support.

In 2025, Foshan City introduced the "Implementation Rules for the Management of Road Testing and Commercial Application of Functional Autonomous Vehicles," establishing a municipal-level task force and a cross-departmental collaboration mechanism, clearly expressing an attitude of "encouraging exploration while prioritizing safety."

This policy has laid a solid foundation, or "policy road," for autonomous vehicles to "accelerate, operate smoothly, and go far."

Shunde District adheres to the fundamental principles of "encouraging innovation, fostering openness and inclusivity, and ensuring safety and controllability," gradually rolling out road testing and demonstration applications for functional autonomous vehicles and intelligent connected vehicles.

Currently, the Foshan task force has approved road testing for four enterprises, including Neolix Huitong, 9F Robotics, Desay SV, and BaiRhino Zhida, with 28 vehicles already deployed for testing in Shunde District.

The government's role is evolving from a mere "regulator" to a "facilitator" and "service provider."

Huang Jianbin, Deputy Director of the Shunde District Transportation Bureau, stated:

"Enterprises along the industrial chain, industry associations, and collaborative partners should strengthen cooperation to jointly build technological platforms and standard systems. The government will continue to serve as a 'facilitator' and 'service provider,' promoting the optimization, upgrading, and healthy development of industries related to functional autonomous vehicles."

II. Diverse Scenarios: How Autonomous Vehicles Are Becoming the City's "Versatile Helper"

The application scenarios for functional autonomous vehicles in Shunde are expanding from singular to diverse fields, encompassing security, logistics, sanitation, and more, showcasing their potential as the city's "versatile helper."

In the logistics and delivery sector, autonomous vehicles have demonstrated significant advantages.

Meipu Zhixing's autonomous logistics vehicle is equipped with a multi-sensor system, including LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar, boasting a cargo volume of approximately 6 cubic meters, a maximum load capacity of 1 ton, and a range of 200 kilometers. Preliminary calculations suggest that its solution can help traditional industries reduce logistics costs by up to 50%.

In sanitation and cleaning, WeRide's autonomous cleaning vehicle has achieved highly autonomous operations, capable of autonomous route planning, sweeping, and automatic charging, with a single-charge endurance of 8 hours. It is currently deployed in various scenarios, including parks, squares, schools, technology parks, and municipal roads.

For security patrolling, autonomous security vehicles have demonstrated capabilities in autonomous patrolling, abnormal situation identification, and real-time alerting, effectively enhancing regional safety management.

These functional autonomous vehicles not only accurately perform daily repetitive tasks but also navigate various complex road scenarios with ease.

III. Technological Backing: 5G Private Networks Build an "Exclusive Highway" for Autonomous Vehicles

The stable operation of autonomous vehicles relies on robust technological support.

China Mobile has achieved full 5G network coverage across Shunde District and deployed a dedicated network for autonomous logistics vehicles in the park. Guo Lei, Deputy General Manager of China Mobile Guangdong Co., Ltd.'s Shunde Branch, vividly compared: "A regular network is like a shared road, while a private network is an exclusive highway."

The low latency and high bandwidth of 5G private networks ensure millisecond-level responsiveness for autonomous logistics vehicles, laying a foundation for safe operations.

In practice, Shunde Mobile conducts in-depth network surveys before deploying autonomous logistics vehicles to ensure the network meets operational requirements.

In addition to communication networks, companies are continuously enhancing the intelligence of individual vehicles.

Meipu Zhixing's autonomous logistics vehicle employs L4 autonomous driving technology, equipped with a multi-sensor system for real-time environmental perception and active obstacle avoidance. The vehicle can be fully charged in 3.5 hours, supporting multiple frequent transport tasks.

IV. Commercial Value: From "Cost Reduction and Efficiency Enhancement" to "Innovative Models"

The promotion of autonomous vehicles in Shunde has not only brought direct efficiency improvements and cost savings but also sparked innovations in business models.

In terms of costs, autonomous vehicles have demonstrated significant advantages.

A representative from Meipu Zhixing stated that their solution can help traditional industries reduce logistics costs by up to 50%.

Wang Wenjing, Deputy General Manager of Guangdong Shunjin New Material Industrial Park Co., Ltd., pointed out: "Autonomous transportation is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs," especially since autonomous logistics vehicles can operate 24/7, which is particularly beneficial for enterprises with factories and offices located in separate parks.

In terms of business models, autonomous vehicles have also opened up new possibilities.

Meipu Zhixing offers a range of functional autonomous vehicle solutions, covering leasing and purchase options, to meet the needs of different enterprises. This flexible cooperation model lowers the barrier for enterprises to adopt new technologies, accelerating the promotion and application of autonomous vehicles.

V. Scale Expansion: From Single-Point Trials to Comprehensive Coverage

Autonomous vehicles in Shunde are undergoing a crucial transition from single-point testing to large-scale promotion.

In 2026, companies like Neolix, 9F Robot, WeRide, and Meituan plan to deploy 40 vehicles in Shunde District, with official operations expected to commence around the Spring Festival.

In the future, six companies will deploy a total of 68 vehicles in Shunde District for functional autonomous vehicle road testing.

This expansion is not just about increasing numbers but also deepening application scenarios.

From initial park logistics to the current coverage of security, sanitation, delivery, and other scenarios, autonomous vehicles are penetrating every aspect of urban operations.

Meipu Zhixing has selected the Haichuang Dazhu Robot Intelligent Manufacturing Industrial Park as its core pilot site, applying for transport rights from Haichuang to major parks in Beijiao, and is currently conducting trial operations in collaboration with clients in fresh food delivery and express distribution.

A leader from the Shunde District Economic Promotion Bureau noted: "Utilizing autonomous logistics vehicles to improve micro-logistics circulation in parks can not only reduce costs for enterprises but also inject development momentum into the construction of digital factories and smart parks in Shunde." With a strong manufacturing base, including 65 digital workshops and 33 digital factories, Shunde offers abundant application scenarios for autonomous logistics vehicles.

The development of autonomous vehicles in Shunde showcases a clear path from technological verification to large-scale application.

Through policy guidance, technological support, and scenario innovation, autonomous vehicles are moving from concept to reality, from single-point applications to diverse coverage.

Conclusion

The "Autonomous Vehicles Are Here" platform (WeChat official account: Autonomous Vehicles Are Here) believes:

As more enterprises join and more scenarios open up, Shunde is poised to become a model for smart city operations nationwide and even globally.

The success of the autonomous vehicle "versatile helper" model is not just about the technology itself but also a significant marker of the modernization of urban governance systems and capabilities.

What do you think?

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