Skip to main content

Alibaba Debuts Cloud Computer, Delivery Robots at Cloud Computing Conference

 

Alibaba Debuts Cloud Computer, Delivery Robots at Cloud Computing Conference

 


Alibaba Cloud, the digital technologies and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, today unveiled a series of innovative products at its 12th annual Apsara Conference, highlighting the technology pioneer’s commitment in helping people adapt to the more digitized world and accelerate customers’ digital transformation during and after the pandemic.

 

A highlight is Alibaba Cloud’s first cloud computer, a palm-sized personal computer which, despite being just about 60 grams and as light as  an egg,  offers high-performance computing, thanks to robust back-end cloud resources. By simply connecting the cloud computer with a normal computer screen , a user can access  almost unlimited computing resources anytime, anywhere, while paying on a subscription model or for the actual cloud consumption.

 

“We hope our cloud computer can help people access resilient computing power whenever they need to, so they can conduct complex tasks which usually require sophisticated and powerful PCs, such as video editing, animation rendering, software development, and online customer services, with a tiny personal computer at hand now,” said Jeff Zhang, President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. “As working from home becomes the new normal during and after the pandemic, we believe our innovation can also help users more easily enjoy the benefits of cloud computing anytime, anywhere, in a cost-effective yet secure way.”

 

With robust computing power, the cloud computer can reduce the rendering time of one frame high-resolution animation from 90 minutes using a traditional PC, down to only 10 minutes. In addition, the cloud computer’s system upgrades are conducted online, saving a big chunk of the normally heavy cost of PC machine upgrades and maintenance in traditional office settings. Through Alibaba Cloud's self-developed app-streaming protocol, which is designed for synergy between the cloud and the device, users can also purchase and access licensed apps and programs such Linux and Windows as well as various office applications. All user data will be stored on cloud for datacenter-grade security and protection measures. Available initially for enterprise customers, the cloud computers will be also available for purchase by individual consumers in the near future.

 

Alibaba Cloud also unveiled its autonomous logistics robot for last-mile deliveries. Developed by the Alibaba DAMO Academy, the global research initiative by Alibaba Group, the delivery robot can carry 50 packages at one time and cover 62 miles (or 100 kilometres) on a single charge. It is estimated the mobile robot should be able to deliver as many as 500 packages a day to one designated community or campus, meeting the rising demand for speedy last-mile delivery in China. Online shopping is booming there, with 200 million packages delivered daily and expectations that will rise to 1 billion packages per day in the coming years.

 

“We are expecting a rapid spike of delivery demands brought by the thriving New Retail and local services businesses in the increasingly digitalized world,” added Zhang. “To meet the strong delivery demand for our internal business growth and for the larger society, we have been investing in smart logistics, including logistics robots, for years. We are glad to launch our latest mobile delivery robot, which we will support Cainiao, Alibaba’s logistics platform, to serve communities, campuses and business parks in China. “

 

“Moving ahead, we aim to support the delivery needs of our local services businesses and leverage our technologies for other types of service robots, such as service robots in the airport and tourism guide robots in scenic spots.” 

 

Supported with reinforced learning technologies, the intelligent robot can schedule its route even in a crowded environment. With proprietary, high-definition positioning technology, the robot can operate even where there’s  weak or no GPS signal. Leveraging a self-developed heterogeneous computing platform, 3D Point Cloud Semantic Segmentation (PCSS) technology and deep learning, the robot can also identify obstacles and predict the intended movement of passengers and vehicles a few seconds ahead of time  to enhance safety.

 

Consumers can use either the Cainiao or Taobao mobile apps to select a preferred timeslot during the day for delivery. The robot then arrives at the designated destination, where users retrieve their packages simply by entering a passcode they receive in the app, once the robot arrives.


Tony Farah

Author 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Times Square Center Achieves LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification for its Picnic Square

  Times Square Center Achieves LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification for its Picnic Square   Dubai’s favourite community-driven mall, Times Square Center, has been awarded a LEED Green Project certification, for its newly launched Picnic Square. The global green building certification program recognizes, and awards projects being designed and maintained with the highest degree of energy efficiency. As part of the launch event, held on December 8 th , the certificate was officially awarded to Mr. Mohammed Sharaf, Director – Sharaf Group Mall Division in a special ceremony.   The certification rewards the design, construction, operations, and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy buildings. Times Square Center is proud to have designed and maintained Picnic Square in an energy-conserving manner, including machinery to collect organic waste from mall tenants which is then recycled into plant food and hydration.  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gaucho Dubai

TERRACE NIGHT BRUNCH Last week, I had the opportunity to try Gaucho at DIFC. It is  an award-winning progressive concept, with an array of steaks specialties. Feast on a lavish spread of Argentinian classics, paired with an intimate fine-dining setting where food, service, ambiance and excellence, through quality, come together. The overall culinary experience was just amazing! A true Argentinia cuisine with a  contemporary twist. As the summer season comes to a close, Gaucho DIFC will not only be opening its doors to their beautiful outdoor terrace, but will be serving up a brand new Terrace Night Brunch Menu. Gather your family and your friends and indulge in a brunch sharing menu consisting of 8 savoury dishes, along with delicious dessert options. From a flavoursome Truffle & Mushroom Risotto to Gorgonzola Croquettes and Ecuadorian Ceviche, treat yourself to an evening of unlimited ...
Post a Comment
Read more

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE TIGER WITH JUMEIRAH RESTAURANTS

  CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE TIGER WITH JUMEIRAH RESTAURANTS Mark the Lunar New Year with a roaring line-up of indulgent dining experiences, authentic celebrations and lucky red envelopes from Jumeirah’s award-winning venues. Marking the beginning of the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year is the most anticipated festival in Chinese culture as friends and family reconnect and share precious moments together. For the auspicious occasion, Jumeirah’s collection of much-loved dining venues is serving up authentic flavours and a touch of flair for diners and their loved ones to enjoy.   Here is a roundup of what Jumeirah Restaurants have to offer this Chinese New Year:   Zheng He’s, Jumeirah Al Qasr: The stunning waterside restaurant invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Tiger and indulge in a curated selection of festive dishes by Chef Wong Lian You. Guests will be fully immersed into the celebratory atmosphere with brightly coloured lanterns and an authenti...
Post a Comment
Read more