At the Big Data & Spatial Information Expo in Changsha city today, Chinese Internet giant JD demonstrated a series of intelligent technology applications, including Drones, Delivery Robots and Routing Inspection Robots, etc. The company also unveiled a new set of HD Maps.

JD’s HD Maps aim to enhance navigation capability in robotics and autonomous vehicles. The company introduced a complete production system for the HD Maps:

Data Collection — JD’s Portable Multichip 3D Measurement Laser System enables real-time data collection of road condition, obstacles and surroundings. JD has adopted big data analytics and AI to improve this mapping solution.

Data Processing — The mapping system uses fusing, matching and filtering to efficiently integrate multi-source sensor data into time and space dimensions and automatically realise centimetre-level accuracy of road conditions.

Data Visualisation — The big data platform can process and visualise mass data, and is responsible for real-time data reception, storage and analysis. JD has also developed a smart simulator for testing robots and self-driving cars.

Applications — JD aims to apply its HD Maps to robotics and autonomous driving technology, including warehouses, municipal roads, highways, etc.

JD will first apply the new HD Map system to its own production line, then provide it to developers and partners, and finally take it to the cloud and edge. The company is currently applying for a Grade A Navigation Electronic Map Production Qualification — China’s highest qualification for producing electronic maps — which will permit the HD maps’ integration into self-driving cars. Only 14 companies have this Grade A qualification.