432 robots move 7,500-tonne historic Shanghai buildings back to original site
In a remarkable blend of engineering and heritage preservation, more than 400 mobile robots are relocating a 7,500-tonne historic building complex in Shanghai — one careful step at a time.
The century-old Huayanli complex, situated in the city’s Jing’an district, is being relocated to its original position using 432 small crawler-type robots. Each unit is programmed to "walk" the massive structure at an average pace of about 10 meters (32 feet) per day. The relocation is expected to be completed by June 7.
The buildings, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, are iconic examples of Shikumen architecture — a hybrid style that combines Western elements with traditional Jiangnan residential design from China’s Yangtze River Delta. This particular complex in Zhangyuan is one of the best-preserved and most diverse Shikumen sites in Shanghai.
Buildings on the move — literally
The move began on May 19 as part of a broader renovation project in the Zhangyuan historical and cultural zone. City officials temporarily relocated the structures in their entirety to make room for the construction of a ground-level roof over a 53,000-square-meter underground complex.
Due to the size and density of the Shikumen buildings, traditional renovation methods weren't possible without dismantling them. Instead, engineers opted for an advanced relocation system, with hundreds of synchronised robots carrying the buildings inch by inch.
A fusion of heritage and high-tech
The robots, described as "crawler-type carriers," move in unison beneath the structure to maintain its stability and levelness throughout the journey. The strategy enables the architectural integrity of the complex to remain intact while major infrastructure work is carried out beneath it.
According to Chinese state media reports, the method is part of Shanghai’s growing use of innovative technologies to preserve heritage amid rapid urban development.
Engineering meets preservation
Shanghai has long walked a fine line between modern expansion and historical preservation. The relocation of the Huayanli complex is the latest example of how the city is integrating robotics and automation to protect its architectural legacy.
As the robots near the finish line of their slow and steady trek, one thing is clear: in Shanghai, history doesn't just stand still — sometimes, it takes a walk.
Source: China Daily
