JD.com and Rakuten will offer unmanned delivery services for various applications and situations in Japan. Credit: JD.com.

Retailer JD.com has entered an agreement with e-commerce company Rakuten to create drone delivery solutions in Japan.

Under the agreement, Rakuten will use JD.com’s drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) in its autonomous delivery operations.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Both retailers will also focus on the development and commercialisation of Rakuten’s unmanned delivery solutions in Japan.

Rakuten group managing executive officer Koji Ando said: “We are delighted to begin this collaboration with JD.com, which boasts the most cutting-edge proprietary delivery network in China, as well as a track record and know-how in delivery with drones and UGVs.

“We hope to accelerate innovation in the Japanese logistics sector and contribute to building a society that can offer greater convenience to all citizens.”

“By utilising JD.com’s drones and UGVs with the unmanned delivery solutions created by Rakuten, we hope to accelerate innovation in the Japanese logistics sector and contribute to building a society that can offer greater convenience to all citizens.”

Rakuten commenced its drone delivery service in 2016 and has worked with corporate partners and local governments to conduct trials.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The company used a combination of drones and autonomous delivery robots to launch its first delivery trial last year in Japan.

JD.com started its drone programme in 2015, followed by the launch of its first commercial drone deliveries in 2016 in rural China the following year. It currently operates drones in Jiangsu, Shaanxi and other provinces.

Last month, the e-commerce retailer tested its first drone delivery service in Indonesia after receiving approval from the government.