How to read this finding
The warehouse example is site-specific and does not count every worker across JD.com’s supply chain. Citation indicators are proxies for research impact, and neither measure establishes overall national AI leadership.
What did the 2019 report say about China’s automated warehouses?
It highlighted a JD.com Shanghai facility reported to handle 200,000 orders per day with four workers tending it. The example described one facility, not the wider logistics workforce.
Evidence you can use
China in the 2019 report
Historical snapshot: June 2019. Dates and populations are specified per row.
| Measure | Reported value | Definition and source |
|---|---|---|
| JD.com selected facility throughput | 200,000 orders/day | Reported throughput at the Shanghai fulfillment center.2019 report, PDF page 125 |
| Workers tending the facility | 4 | Reported staffing for that selected automated facility.2019 report, PDF page 125 |
| Semiconductor position | Continuing trade deficit | Qualitative finding in the report’s sales and purchases comparison.2019 report, PDF page 123 |
The warehouse example is site-specific and does not count every worker across JD.com’s supply chain. Citation indicators are proxies for research impact, and neither measure establishes overall national AI leadership.
Sources and dates
Historical snapshot published June 28, 2019. This web edition was prepared on 2026-10-11 from the online deck and original launch posts. Findings and forecasts retain their original time frame.
- 2019 report, PDF page 123Original 2019 report. This edition has no printed slide numbers. References use one-based PDF pages.
- 2019 report, PDF page 125Original 2019 report. This edition has no printed slide numbers. References use one-based PDF pages.
- 2019 report, PDF page 128Original 2019 report. This edition has no printed slide numbers. References use one-based PDF pages.
- 2019 report, PDF page 129Original 2019 report. This edition has no printed slide numbers. References use one-based PDF pages.
- State of AI Report 2019: online slides
- Stories from Air Street launch essayJune 30, 2019.
Cite this page
Benaich, Nathan, and Ian Hogarth. “What did the 2019 report say about China’s automated warehouses?” State of AI Report 2019. Historical report snapshot; web edition prepared 2026-10-11.