Cainiao has announced plans to build a large-scale global network of robotic warehouses in 2026 as it expands fulfillment and delivery capabilities for cross-border e-commerce.
The company said the automated facilities will be developed in key markets including Hong Kong, China, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany and the United States. The warehouses will use Cainiao’s next-generation warehouse robots and an AI-powered scheduling system designed to increase storage density and operational efficiency compared with traditional automated warehouses.
The expansion is intended to strengthen local fulfillment capabilities and support faster delivery services for global merchants and e-commerce platforms.
“As the AI era arrives, we are accelerating the application of AI and robotics across our global supply chain network to enhance the consumer experience,” said Shuai Yong, vice president of Cainiao and general manager of its Global Supply Chain business.
The company said the initiative will help expand next-day and two-day delivery coverage from its warehouses in these markets.
Cainiao said it is redesigning logistics processes around automation and artificial intelligence rather than simply adding automation to existing systems. The company is developing next-generation logistics robots designed to automate processes such as high-density storage, goods movement and order picking to improve speed, accuracy and throughput.
Alongside robotics development, the company is increasing the use of AI across its supply chain operations. This includes demand forecasting models based on big data and machine learning to improve sales predictions and reduce stock imbalances.
Cainiao is also introducing AI-driven customs compliance and documentation systems aimed at streamlining clearance processes for international shipments. In warehouses, AI-powered scheduling software will coordinate fleets of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and other equipment in real time to allocate tasks and optimize routing.
The company said its ability to test new technologies in large-scale operational environments provides a foundation for developing and refining robotics and AI solutions.
The planned warehouse network expansion also supports new service offerings. Cainiao said it is increasing the rollout of large-item warehouses to support the international shipment of bulky goods, and introducing container loading services at factories to enable direct flows from production sites to overseas consumers.
Additional services include bundled shipments, direct inbounding of unpackaged goods and secondary assembly within warehouses. According to the company, these services help merchants optimize packaging, reduce material use and lower logistics costs.
Cainiao operates more than 40 overseas warehouses across 18 countries and regions in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.
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