- Chen Jiaquan, the city manager of Antwork’s Deqing area, is driving innovation in drone logistics for food delivery and medical supply transport.
- Antwork specialises in emergency response, smart healthcare, postal services, and instant delivery, using drones to overcome traditional logistics challenges.
- Chen emphasises the importance of technology, collaboration, and innovation in expanding drone logistics, showcasing successful emergency missions and unique delivery solutions.
Introduction of Chen Jiaquan
Chen Jiaquan is the head of Antwork’s operations in the Deqing area, serving as the city manager responsible for food delivery and medical logistics. With over two years at Antwork, Chen has leveraged his excellent management skills and deep interest in drone technology to drive business growth in Deqing. More than just a seasoned manager, he is a drone technology enthusiast who actively participates in the operation and development of drones. His passion for technology and deep industry insight have been instrumental in leading his team to significant achievements in the drone logistics sector.
About Antwork
Antwork focuses on four core areas: emergency response, smart healthcare, postal and express delivery, and instant delivery. Antwork has obtained the world’s first urban logistics drone trial operation license, with all logistics equipment being independently developed, including drones, hubs, and autonomous vehicles. By integrating different types of robots, Antwork has achieved automation and unmanned logistics systems, enhancing user interaction experiences. During the pandemic, Antwork rapidly expanded in the medical delivery field, successfully delivering samples, blood, and medical equipment. Currently, its food delivery services cover over 20 cities across China.
Also read: Antwork drones take medical delivery to new heights in China
Also read: Drones in China: From delivering dumplings to saving lives
Q: Can you describe Antwork’s drone logistics operations in Deqing?
Our drone logistics mainly cover medical and food delivery. For medical logistics, we transport items like blood samples and medical equipment between Huzhou Central Hospital and surrounding hospitals, with peak activity from 2 to 3 pm daily. As for food delivery, we serve areas like Zhejiang University of Technology, the Geographic Information Town, and the Mogan Mountain Scenic Area, completing around 5,000 deliveries annually. Our drones provide contactless delivery, a crucial service during the COVID-19 when traditional delivery was disrupted.
“Our autonomous and seamless drone systems are designed not just for efficiency but to provide real-world solutions that save time, reduce costs, and sometimes, save lives.”
Chen Jiaquan
Q: How do extreme weather conditions affect drone flights?
Our drones can operate in moderate rain and up to 6-level winds. Such winds may cause tree branches to sway but do not pose significant challenges to our flight control systems. They are also designed for snow and low temperatures, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Q: Could you share some of the innovative achievements in drone technology at Antwork?
Antwork employs multiple drone models in its operations. For instance, the two models you saw today are the T27S and its upgraded version, the RA3. The RA3 features advanced capabilities and has a seamless interaction system with our unmanned hubs.
When a delivery arrives at a hub, the goods are automatically transferred from the drone to the hub’s cargo compartment. Users can easily retrieve their items by scanning a QR code and entering their phone number. This integration of drones, hubs, and autonomous vehicles is a key part of our self-developed three-in-one technology, which automates logistics delivery, reduces labour costs, and provides fast and efficient services to users.
Q: What are the unique advantages of Antwork’s drone logistics over traditional methods?
Our drones excel in areas like scenic spot deliveries and remote camp supplies, where quick and direct access is challenging. For example, in the Mogan Mountain Scenic Spots, our drones offer a convenient service at around 29 yuan, providing better food options for visitors. Moreover, during peak hours when traffic is congested, drone delivery remains unaffected by traffic or weather, ensuring efficiency.
Our most advanced model, the TR9, boasts a maximum payload of 9 kg, a range of 27 km and cruise speed of 60 km/h, making it suitable for high-demand scenarios like medical emergencies.
Q: How does Antwork plan to stay competitive, considering other players like Meituan are also entering the drone delivery market?
Antwork’s edge lies in our in-house developed technology, covering everything from drones to software and algorithms. Our focus isn’t limited to food delivery; we concentrate on high-value scenarios such as emergency rescue and medical logistics, which require precision and speed. Additionally, we explore creative applications such as surprise proposals using drones, adding unique value beyond traditional logistics.
Q: Are there plans to collaborate with local or national delivery platforms?
We are always open to collaboration. In the past, we partnered with a campus delivery app at Zhejiang University of Technology, providing drone delivery services to students. This collaboration not only improved delivery efficiency but also served as a successful case study for drone technology in campus settings. Such collaborations align with our goal to expand the low-altitude economy market.
Q: Could you share some memorable events from your drone delivery operations?
Recently, we had a case in Hefei, Anhui, where a hospital urgently needed blood for a patient experiencing severe bleeding late at night. Our drones made seven round trips in the early morning hours, delivering the required blood and ultimately saving the patient’s life. Our medical routes are staffed 24/7 to ensure immediate response to emergencies.
Another instance involved a landslide in early July in the mountains of Quzhou, where residents were trapped. Our drones were deployed to deliver emergency supplies, including food and medical equipment, to the affected area.
Additionally, during a widely reported medical dispute incident at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, our drone medical delivery team provided emergency blood deliveries, ensuring the smooth progress of the rescue operation.
A Personal Insight
On the day of the interview, I witnessed Chen and his team working tirelessly under the blazing sun, with temperatures reaching around 40 degrees Celsius. Despite the challenging conditions, they meticulously tested and adjusted the drones, ensuring the timely delivery of medical supplies. Their dedication was evident—Chen even postponed his break to fulfil our interview appointment. His professionalism and commitment to his work left a strong impression, underscoring the passion and expertise that drive Antwork’s innovative success in drone logistics.
