Chapter 1410 Upgrading of Traditional Industries

"Before coming, I think you may have considered my purpose."

Li Dong paused and continued: "The purpose is actually very simple, I just want to ask about the actual use of drones.

At present, the scope of use of drones is very narrow.

But in recent years, UAVs have gradually moved from military to civilian use, and the scope of use is also increasing.

At the Yuanfang annual meeting before, Yuanfang took out the unmanned sorting system, and you should be able to understand the meaning of it.

Efficiency, cost, and intelligence are things that large companies will consider in the future.

Even if Yuanfang is not a high-end enterprise, but just retail, it doesn't mean it can continue to follow the old path.

Yuanfang's purpose is to always lead the trend and be ahead of the times.

Drone express is the first question I want to know.

The second one, I didn't want to ask at first, but since Professor Li is here, I'll ask one more question.

Professor Li is an expert in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics, and has served as a research scientist at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.

Professor Li is extremely authoritative in the practical application of artificial intelligence and robots.

I would like to ask, in the next few years, can artificial intelligence and robots be applied to Yuanfang Group?

Can it play a necessary role in our industrial upgrading?

Cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and core competitiveness enhancement are all what I want, but I don't know if the current situation can meet my expectations..."

In the previous life, it was only 13 years ago that drone delivery was really known.

Of course, before this, some companies have thought of using drones to transport express delivery.

In fact, reducing costs is not necessarily the case. The current drones are expensive and have limited transportation capacity. Even if they are actually put into use, the gains outweigh the losses.

The key is to strengthen competitiveness!

Today, the distribution points of major express companies are all over the city, but for rural areas and mountainous areas, express companies cannot cover them.

Even in the distance, in fact, it can't be done.

Including some remote areas with vast land and sparsely populated areas, laying channels is too troublesome, and resources will be seriously wasted.

However, the use of drones in a small area can solve these troubles.

Of course, due to the impact of the weather, drone delivery also has many shortcomings, but Li Dong believes that these problems will not be a problem in the future.

It is also Li Dong's current idea to upgrade the traditional retail industry chain as a whole.

The traditional economy does not mean that it will always be traditional.

Some high-tech can also be applied to retail enterprises to upgrade the whole and increase the competitiveness of Yuanfang. This is what Li Dong wants to see.

Not for the so-called force, but considering the current situation.

Now Yuanfang has achieved the largest in China, and next, Yuanfang will enter the international stage.

Internationally, there are too many retail giants.

Wal-Mart, Carrefour, Tesco, Metro...

These are all established giants. If Yuanfang wants to be the same as China, relying on a single service and a single hard work to win against them, that is simply a dream.

Only innovation, only reform, is the magic weapon for success in the distance.

The electronic mall, high-tech logistics system, and large-scale upgrade of the store system are refreshing, and it is possible to stand out in this field.

The store system realizes artificial intelligence, the logistics realizes unmanned, high efficiency, plus online and offline assistance, and the overall leap forward of Yuanfang has a new breakthrough and competitiveness.

Otherwise, why would a foreigner choose a distant place?

Wal-Mart, Amazon stores and e-commerce, who is not more famous than Yuanfang?

It is very possible for domestic enterprises to go global and be lost to everyone. Only big gimmicks, big gimmicks that attract the attention of the world, can make enterprises known to everyone.

Of course, after attracting attention, the company must really be different in order to last.

And that's what Li Dong wants now.

As for the two in front of me,

It's just the first step of his inquiry, and he will invest more in it next.

It is also inevitable to establish Yuanfang's own research institute.

...

Hearing Li Dong talk about industrial upgrading, both Wang Tao and Li Zexiang couldn't help admiring.

Under the current circumstances, Yuanfang has become the number one in the industry and dominates China.

At this time, Li Dong didn't consider continuing to do so, but thinking about fundamentally throwing off his opponents. This is no longer a simple business.

In other words, Li Dong's eyes are no longer focused on the country, but on the whole world.

Not only to be the first in the field, but also to lead the trend, this is the demeanor of a large group.

Wang Tao and Li Zexiang looked at each other, Wang Tao thought for a while before saying: "Before I came, I actually thought about what Mr. Li was going to talk about.

UAV delivery, conceptually speaking, has this possibility and existence.

However, under the current technical conditions, there are many difficulties.

Let me say a few points first, first, the power system.

The power of the battery is limited by the low energy density of the battery, which affects the battery life and load capacity, while the fuel power system is due to its large size...

Second, the flight control system.

UAV delivery needs to fly autonomously. If it needs manual control, then it is not called UAV delivery, and it has no value...

Third, the induction system...

Fourth, security issues...

Fifth, the device for dealing with sudden changes in weather..."

Wang Tao talked about a lot of problems, which actually exist but are difficult to overcome.

Finally, Wang Tao said again: "The most crucial point is the cost!

Even if all the previous technical difficulties are overcome, all these require large-scale investment and research and development.

Finally, the drones used in the express delivery field will not be cheap.

Moreover, a full set of supporting facilities is required, plus infrastructure projects. In the end, Mr. Li will find that this is much greater than the cost of manual transportation.

Of course, I believe that the problem of cost will come down sooner or later with large-scale application.

What I mean by this is that if Mr. Li really wants to invest in it, he must deal with the problems of losses and the inability to return a large amount of funds in the early stage.

I do not hide from Mr. Li, in fact, I very much hope to carry out research and development and technical breakthroughs in this area.

But the current DJI is short of funds and talents, and DJI alone cannot do this.

Even if it is done, it may take five years, ten years, or even longer..."

Li Zexiang also added: "That's true, there is another point that Wang Tao didn't say, it has something to do with the Internet.

Mr. Li is also a leader in the IT industry. I think Mr. Li should understand how difficult it is for drones to be remotely controlled.

This requires complete network supporting facilities, and at present, Huaxia's network deployment is not enough to support this.

Unless, we start from scratch and re-lay the new drone network ourselves.

But for this alone, the investment is astronomical..."

Li Dong interrupted: "I'm not too worried about this. The Internet industry is developing faster and faster. In my opinion, these things will definitely be realized in the next few years.

Of course, even if it is not implemented, when you need these, it doesn't mean that you have to do it yourself.

There are countless express delivery companies. When we all need this thing to support us, an industry will naturally appear. This is not my guess, but the necessity of social development.

We don't have to think about these now, the key lies in the technical difficulties.

Failure to overcome these means that everything is empty.

How long do you think it will take to achieve these technological breakthroughs if there is sufficient financial support? "

Wang Tao's heart moved, and he said after a while: "As long as there is a demand in the market, someone will research and overcome it, and many technologies are actually not without it, but that they have not been developed in depth.

Some experts and technicians chose to give up because of financial problems.

If the money comes in at this point, I think they'd be happy to go ahead with the R&D..."

Li Dong raised his eyebrows and said, "Don't test me, I've always been straightforward.

Funding, hundreds of millions or even billions, is not a big problem for me.

If you can really do it, and let Yuanfang be one step ahead of others before it is applied in this field in the world, the investment of billions or even tens of billions is worth it!

If Yuanfang can use this to open up the international market and take Yuanfang Logistics out of China, then it is not only Yuanfang Logistics that goes out.

The key is, is it worth it!

If it can be used on a large scale, it is worth it.

If you can't do it, it's just a cosmetic project, so it's not worth it. "

Li Dong's words shocked the two people on the opposite side beyond measure!

What the hell, is this the richest man?

They felt that if Li Dong was willing to invest tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions, in these industries, it would be beyond their imagination!

What did Li Dong say?

Hundreds of millions or billions is not a problem, as long as tens of billions are worth it, you can do it.

The current DJI is not the DJI that will be valued at 10 billion US dollars in the future, but a company with a total value of only 20 to 30 million.

It is RMB, not US dollars!

A number that Li Dong casually mentioned is equivalent to several DJIs.

This is the real rich man!

Wang Tao was a little parched and as proud as he was, and was shocked at this moment.

Billions!

If billions of dollars of financial support can be brought in from afar, what technical difficulties cannot be overcome!

In the future, DJI will be valued at US$10 billion, but that is valuation, not money!

Even Dajiang at that time couldn't spend billions of cash for technology research and development, let alone billions, even hundreds of millions.

But it's still 2009, and Li Dong opened his mouth to say billions.

Wang Tao's heart was beating violently, he swallowed and said: "Mr. Li, if you are really willing to make such a large-scale investment in this area, technical problems are completely fine!

As long as the infrastructure network can keep up, three years, at most three years, maybe not so long, the technical difficulties will definitely be overcome. "

Wang Tao said for sure, if it is true, he will definitely break through!

In the future, even if drone delivery is hotly fired, how many people are really willing to spend money?

The domestic express delivery giants like SF Express just mean it. They don’t invest in technology at all, but use it out of the box.

If he really wanted to make a large investment in 2009, why would it take three years? Wang Tao felt that after one year, these problems would no longer be a problem.

As he said that, Wang Tao suddenly thought of something, and hurriedly said: "By the way, Mr. Li, in fact, there are still technical problems that can be overcome.

But regulation is the real big problem!

Once drone delivery is used on a large scale, it will have a great impact on airspace security.

Once the government introduces regulatory policies, it is likely to cause unavoidable big troubles. "

Li Dong nodded, this is true.

However, Li Dong said with a smile: "In the city, I actually don't want to use it on a large scale. After all, in the city, the transportation is developed, the infrastructure is complete, and the labor efficiency is not slow at all.

The point is that rural areas, mountainous areas, and remote areas are the ones I want to cover.

If you are in a foreign country with a vast land and few people, drone express delivery will become an important weight for Yuanfang Logistics to open up the market.

Any country that introduces policies will at most restrict urban areas and densely populated areas.

Don't think the government is too ignorant, the government will not do one size fits all. "

This is Li Dong's biggest feeling in the past few years.

Officials do not represent the government!

Some officials are not good, but it does not mean that the government is not good.

In many cases, the government actually goes farther than the individual sees. It is just that in practice, due to the large organization and various factors, it cannot be implemented.

But if you really have to do it yourself, the government will not cut it for you directly for some special reasons.

The development of the Internet industry is actually a clear proof.

In many cases, new technologies in the Internet industry have subverted some things and some traditional concepts.

In fact, the government didn't understand these things at the beginning, and it didn't understand them very well, but the government chose to contact and understand them, rather than cut them off because they didn't understand or were afraid.

Today's world is inclusive.

Except for very few regions, the governments of most countries are rational.

When Wang Tao heard this, he didn't have any deep feelings.

But Li Zexiang nodded repeatedly and said: "Indeed, I have been deeply touched these years.

Especially running around the world, running on both sides of the Hong Kong mainland, this feeling is getting deeper and deeper.

Now it is the government that is integrating into the society and the people, instead of letting the people integrate, obey, and be attached to it like a feudal dynasty..."

Wang Tao was not interested in the relationship between the two. After Li Zexiang finished speaking, Wang Tao continued: "Mr. Li, do you really want to invest in large-scale research and development in this area?"

Li Dong smiled and said, "Of course, how about it, are you interested?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Tao said excitedly, "Mr. Li, what do you mean..."

Li Dong smiled lightly: "There are specializations in the art industry, although distant places can also set up research institutes, invite experts, and invite professors.

After all, Yuanfang does not take this as its main business. What we need is only additional benefits, and we only enjoy the results, not the process.

And to be honest, the use of drone technology is of limited help to us.

All I need is that the express logistics can be bigger, and I don't care about the others.

I prefer to get the results directly, rather than bothering to do research and development.

We cooperate with DJI and invite some academic institutions to jointly set up a research institute. I will contribute money, and you will contribute technology and jointly hold shares.

In the end, we all get something we want.

Of course, if you are interested in how to invest and how to hold shares, you can go to Jiangbei later and have a detailed discussion with my people.

I am just an intention now.

But I can tell you clearly, as long as it is worth it, money is not a problem! "

Wang Tao was a little excited and couldn't believe it. It was as simple as that, did DJI win such an opportunity?

You know, many organizations can do this in light of output and technology.

Li Dong doesn't want to join DJI!

Now that DJI is not well-known, Li Dong really wanted to bring them along.

Even if you don't hold shares, DJI has actually made a lot of money.

Because of the scale of DJI, it often takes a long time for DJI to overcome some small technical difficulties.

But once the research institute is established, a large number of professionals will be introduced to join.

DJI can use chicken to lay eggs, rely on the strength of the research institute, and rely on Li Dong's capital to achieve faster and more rapid development.

This is simply a good thing like a pie in the sky!

But he obviously thought too much, is Li Dong the kind of person who just takes advantage of others?

Wang Tao was excited, Li Dong said: "Of course, in order to make me feel more at ease with you, to support you more, and to have many opportunities for future cooperation.

I personally hope that I can have a partial shareholding in DJI.

Of course, I am just a shareholder, and I will not participate in specific operations.

Does Mr. Wang think this request is too much? "

Wang Tao immediately suppressed his smile, glanced at Li Zexiang, and finally said with difficulty after a long while: "How many shares does Mr. Li want?"

"About 20%, not too much.

Mr. Wang doesn't have to take pleasure in investing in more than nine figures, or even ten figures, or 20% of DJI's shares.

The follow-up conditions can be discussed, even including the technology sharing of the research institute, which is not impossible.

Mr. Wang should understand what this means. "

Wang Tao swallowed again, of course he understood what this meant!

Technology sharing!

It is really a great benefit to enjoy the fruits of investment in distant places without spending money and putting in a little effort.

Is 20% of the shares much?

At least for now, it seems that there are really not many.

But now his shareholding ratio has dropped to 50%, even if other people share the 20% this time, his shareholding will fall below 50%.

Also, Shen Xuehua seems to be Li Dong's future mother-in-law, who also holds a lot of shares in DJI. If Li Dong holds another 20% of the shares...

Wang Tao hesitated for a while, but the fat in front of him was too fat, and it was hard for him to refuse.

At this time, Wang Tao had no choice but to look at Li Zexiang, hoping to get some inspiration from the teacher.

Li Zexiang quickly winked at him, agreeing!

How much is DJI worth now?

As for the future, there is really no future to speak of before the generation of DJI Genie.

Li Dong's establishment of a research institute is completely paving the way for DJI. If he can obtain the right to share technology, the benefits will be immeasurable, so there is no reason to hesitate.

Seeing this, Wang Tao gritted his teeth and said, "Mr. Li, you can hold shares, but I still want to talk to Yuanfang about specific cooperation matters, including the shareholding issue of the research institute."

If he doesn't see the rabbit, he won't stalk the hawk, so it's not good to talk in the vernacular.

If you can't see the actual benefits, don't think about him giving up the shares of DJI to Li Dong.

Li Dong smiled when he heard the words, there are no real fools in this world, but the establishment of a research institute is real, and what he wants is only results, so it can be discussed.