Neolix has outlined plans to scale its RoboVan-as-a-Service (RaaS) model to 50 cities across China in 2026. The Beijing-based autonomous logistics company has completed more than 1.5 million delivery orders and logged over 40 million kilometers of autonomous driving to date.
Highlights
- Neolix plans to expand RaaS operations to 50 Chinese cities in 2026, with international pilots in the UAE, South Korea, Singapore, and Portugal.
- The company’s autonomous fleet has completed over 1.5 million orders and 40 million kilometers of autonomous driving.
- Peak daily order volumes in Qingdao exceed 6,500, making it one of China’s largest single-city autonomous delivery operations.
- The RaaS model reduces delivery costs by approximately 50% compared with traditional methods, according to the company.
On-Demand Model Replaces Fixed Routes
The RaaS approach differs from earlier autonomous delivery models that relied on fixed routes or hardware purchases. Instead, users request an autonomous vehicle in real time through a mobile interface for point-to-point deliveries. The model mirrors the ride-hailing framework applied to logistics.
Neolix first piloted the service in Qingdao in partnership with Didi Freight in mid-2025. The system targets fragmented, high-frequency logistics needs, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses. Usage-based pricing and flexible routing lower the adoption barrier for merchants who previously lacked access to automated delivery infrastructure.
Targeting an Underserved Urban Market
Urban distribution in China represents a multi-trillion-renminbi market. However, a significant share of demand comes from small merchants, wholesalers, retailers, and local service providers. Their logistics needs are often irregular, time-sensitive, and difficult to standardize.
The RaaS model addresses these dynamics through a shared, on-demand network. Use cases range from retail replenishment and fresh goods distribution to pharmaceutical and manufacturing deliveries. Vehicles operate around the clock to support continuous urban supply chains.
L4 Autonomy Without HD Maps
Neolix deploys L4 autonomous driving technology that operates in complex urban environments without reliance on high-definition maps. This approach supports faster deployment in new locations.
A centralized dispatch system connects vehicles into a unified network. The platform enables real-time scheduling and dynamic route optimization across large order volumes. As fleet size and geographic coverage grow, the networked architecture improves efficiency, shortens response times, and reduces marginal costs.
“As autonomous driving technology matures, the focus is increasingly shifting from individual vehicles to integrated service networks,” the company said in a statement. “Our goal is to make autonomous delivery accessible as a shared infrastructure, enabling more efficient urban logistics and supporting the digital transformation of city supply chains.”
International Pilots Underway
Beyond its domestic expansion, Neolix is advancing pilot programs in the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Singapore, and Portugal. These deployments will test how the RaaS model adapts to different urban environments and regulatory frameworks ahead of a broader global rollout.
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