The "last-mile delivery" segment has long been the most costly and inefficient part of the logistics chain. In China, with over 20 billion express packages delivered annually, optimizing this process became critical for e-commerce leaders like Alibaba. To tackle this challenge, Alibaba's Cainiao Network partnered with LKK Design's Robot Team to develop an intelligent, autonomous delivery robot—Little G.

Combining Alibaba's expertise in artificial intelligence and cloud computing with LKK Design's product development capabilities, the project aimed to redefine urban logistics through innovation in hardware-software integration and autonomous driving technology.

Alibaba's goal was to create a robot that could navigate complex environments, interact seamlessly with users, and operate efficiently in real-world scenarios. Key objectives included:

• Enabling full autonomy in route planning and obstacle avoidance.

• Ensuring a compact, user-friendly design that balanced aesthetics and functionality.

• Integrating advanced sensors and hardware to support AI-driven navigation.

Design Research

LKK Design began with in-depth research into delivery scenarios, user behavior, environmental factors, and package types. This analysis informed the robot's functional requirements and interaction model, ensuring it met both technical and user experience standards.

Industrial Design

The Little G robot was designed to be approachable and compact. Its sleek, rounded form and minimalist appearance enhance user trust and engagement. By carefully arranging sensors and hardware components, the design team maintained a clean exterior while ensuring high performance in navigation and object detection.

Mechanical Structure Design

Structural engineers focused on stability, durability, and space optimization. The chassis and internal layout were engineered to support multi-sensor fusion, SLAM-based mapping, and dynamic motion planning—all within a small footprint. The design also accounted for smooth interaction with elevators and office environments.

Prototyping and Testing

Multiple prototypes were built and tested in real-world settings, including Alibaba's Hangzhou campus. Tests covered autonomous navigation, elevator calling, dynamic obstacle avoidance, and user interaction. Iterative refinements were made to improve reliability and responsiveness before final production.

The Little G robot is now in operation at Alibaba's headquarters, serving as the logistics industry's first fully autonomous last-mile delivery solution. It has been featured at international tech exhibitions and recognized by global media for its innovation. By combining LKK Design's design and engineering excellence with Alibaba's AI capabilities, the project has set a new benchmark for smart logistics and robotic automation.