Delivery robots are now frequently "on duty" in a residential community in Chengdu, having completed nearly 30,000 food delivery orders over the past four months. On the afternoon of May 27th, a scene unfolded at the Jitouqiao location of Shufu Youchao International Apartment Community in Chengdu: a robot named "Xiangdi Ultra" took over meals from delivery riders, passed through access gates, waited for elevators autonomously, and delivered the orders directly to residents' doorsteps—all within five minutes.
Ten such delivery robots have been operating routinely here for four months, successfully addressing the long-standing "delivery dilemma" that has troubled numerous property managements through technological solutions. The entire delivery process is streamlined and efficient. Upon entering the community, one can observe the seamless operation: delivery riders simply place the meals into the robot's compartment at the community entrance without needing to register or go upstairs. The robots then navigate the complex independently, recognize access controls, ride elevators, and actively avoid pedestrians along the way, ensuring they do not occupy prime elevator space. Each delivery takes only 4 to 5 minutes, with minimal delays even during peak evening hours.
Upon reaching the designated doorstep, the robot sends real-time pickup notifications to residents. It waits for three minutes, allowing contactless retrieval via WeChat scan or verification code, effectively solving the issue of residents being absent or unavailable to receive orders. Developed by Chengdu-based company Yuefan Innovation, this delivery robot can operate continuously for 10 to 12 hours on a single charge, carry loads of 10 to 20 kilograms, and is equipped with specialized hooks inside its compartment to prevent spillage of soups and beverages. It is also rain-resistant and capable of climbing slopes, easily handling complex outdoor community terrain—performance that far exceeds that of typical indoor delivery robots.
Resident Wu Pengcheng, living in Unit 2 of Building 6, is a loyal user of the service. He mentioned that he often returns home late from work and finds it inconvenient to go downstairs to collect meals after changing clothes. Now, with robots delivering directly to his doorstep contact-free, he avoids the hassle and enhances home security. Compared to delivery robots in other settings, he notes that these models are more considerate in yielding right of way, ensuring daily commutes remain unaffected. He also looks forward to future expansions, such as parcel delivery and doorstep returns, unlocking more convenient services.
For a fully occupied youth talent apartment complex, the robots have proven invaluable to property management. The community comprises 1,248 units, all occupied, and previously faced challenges with high volumes of delivery riders entering at night, leading to personnel control issues and noise complaints. Deputy Community Manager Tang Shihong explained that since the robots were deployed, the flow of external personnel has significantly decreased, substantially reducing management pressure. Data shows that over a hundred residents use the robots 10 to 20 times per month on average, with high approval ratings. The community plans to introduce more intelligent services to further enrich the living experience.
Delivery riders have also benefited greatly. Rider Zhou Shenglin admitted that eliminating repeated registrations, stair climbing, and elevator waits saves considerable time and completely avoids issues like incorrect addresses or wrong buildings, significantly improving delivery efficiency. Multiple robots can queue up to carry out delivery tasks simultaneously.
These constantly "working" robots now link the needs of residents, property management, and delivery riders. Currently, this intelligent delivery solution has been implemented in several cities across China. Chengdu will continue to advance, bringing such smart devices into more communities to deliver convenient living right to residents' doorsteps.