Shanghai Moves 7,500-Ton Shikumen Complex Using 432 Robots

In a stunning blend of heritage preservation and high-tech innovation, Shanghai has successfully moved a historic Shikumen-style building complex back to its original location using 432 autonomous crawler-type robots.

The Huayanli complex, located in the Zhangyuan area of the city’s Jing’an district, includes three brick-and-wood buildings dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Weighing around 7,500 metric tons and covering 4,030 square meters, this is the largest grouped relocation of historical buildings ever undertaken in China.

Precision Relocation Over 19 Days

The relocation began on May 19, with robots moving the massive structure at an average pace of 10 meters per day. The operation is scheduled for completion by June 7. The aim was to return the buildings to their original position after a temporary move, which had made way for crucial underground infrastructure work.

The relocation was part of a broader redevelopment initiative involving the creation of a 53,000-square-meter underground facility. This new area will house cultural and commercial spaces, over 100 parking spots, and connect three major metro lines - 2, 12, and 13- enhancing access and footfall.

Advanced Robotics and AI at Work

Due to the narrow alleys and tightly packed layout of the historic neighborhood, traditional machinery couldn’t be used. Instead, engineers deployed self-walking, low-clearance drilling robots that could navigate doorways and confined spaces. These robots laid the groundwork for the foundation below the historic buildings.

The project also employed advanced 3D modeling and point cloud scanning to precisely map out the buildings and avoid collisions or damage during the move. Additional earth-moving robots, equipped with folding arms and deep learning algorithms, efficiently distinguished between soil types and obstacles, making excavation faster and safer.

A conveyor belt and track system was also used to transport soil without interfering with the surrounding structures, simulating a smooth factory-style workflow.

Preserving the Past, Building the Future

Once completed, the Zhangyuan complex will merge historic preservation with modern urban design. Above ground, the original buildings will be restored, while below ground, residents and visitors will benefit from enhanced infrastructure and improved connectivity.

Shanghai’s bold and tech-forward approach to urban renewal serves as a model for how cities can preserve their cultural identity while expanding into the future.