JD.com plans to create more than 100,000 robot repair engineering jobs in China over the next five years. The Chinese e-commerce group intends to support the initiative with training centres and a maintenance network for robot manufacturers and operators.
As robots spread through industrial and logistics operations, they bring new maintenance and repair needs. According to the Chinese trade outlet China Robot, JD.com intends to organise this sector by training technicians able to work on a range of robotic equipment. The company also plans to help employees already working in logistics retrain for new roles.
10 training and certification centres for robot repair technicians
JD.com plans to set up 10 education and certification centres in China over the next five years. These centres are intended to help train the professionals needed to expand its robot repair network.
The programme will combine structured teaching with hands-on experience. In particular, JD.com wants to help delivery drivers and other field workers in the logistics sector move into technical jobs focused on robot repair.
This initiative is a recruitment and training plan announced by JD.com, not a tally of jobs already created.
Which robot companies work with JD.com: AgiBot, EngineAI and others
One year after launching its robot repair and after-sales service, JD.com has formed partnerships with 100 major companies in the sector, according to China Robot.
The partners named include several Chinese manufacturers:
- AgiBot (Zhiyuan Robotics), a humanoid robot manufacturer.
- DEEP Robotics, a company specialising in robotics.
- EngineAI, a robot manufacturer.
- NOETIX Robotics, a Chinese robotics company.
These agreements are part of the expansion of JD.com’s after-sales service, which is designed to support manufacturers and users in maintaining their equipment.
What JD.com’s robot service covers: installation, diagnostics and repair
JD.com’s network handles several stages of the life cycle of robotic equipment, from installation to maintenance.
The services offered include:
- Robot installation, configuration and adjustment.
- Usage advice, shipping and deployment of equipment.
- Technical support at exhibitions and competitions.
- Fault diagnosis and routine repairs.
- Battery replacement and charging.
- Testing and certification.
- Application of protective film, cosmetic restoration and equipment upkeep.
- Recycling of robots and related equipment.
This set-up aims to bring different after-sales operations together within a single service network.
SaaS software for managing robot maintenance jobs
Alongside its technical services, JD.com offers a SaaS system dedicated to robot after-sales service. The platform includes smart fault alerts, dispatching of service jobs and organisation of on-site maintenance.
The system is aimed at robot manufacturers, companies specialising in the rental and operation of robotic equipment, and business users in a range of industrial sectors.
JD.com thus combines its network of repair technicians with software tools that coordinate maintenance work directly at the sites where the robots are used.