(Yicai Global) Aug. 30 -- China's SAIC Motor has developed the world's first technology that couples fifth-generation wireless networks with artificial intelligence to automate cargo transport at ports. 

SAIC will join hands with the Shanghai International Port, and China Mobile to pilot the technology in the journey from the Yangshan Deep-Water Port, the world's biggest automated container terminal, located in Hangzhou Bay, to Shanghai's Lingang Logistics Park, nearby Tesla's new Gigafactory, before the end of this year, the Shanghai-based automaker told Yicai Global at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference. The application will reach L4 autonomous driving in late 2024.

In April, Chen Zhixin, president of SAIC, mentioned that the company expects to pilot smart heavy trucks via 5G technologies in the previously mentioned journey.

The technology uses deep learning and vehicle-to-everything technologies to effectively load and unload cargo, as well as design the best route. However, each route will cross the 33-kilometer Donghai Bridge.

Yangshan Port is one of the busiest container ports in the world but due to its location on islands south of Shanghai, better logistics solutions could increase its efficiency. 

Editor: Emmi Laine