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Technology developed in China managed to relocate an old school built in 1935 without demolishing the structure, using about 200 robotic supports in an operation that caught worldwide attention
An impressive operation carried out in China went viral again and caught the attention of the entire world. Engineers managed to move a historic building of approximately 7,000 tons using giant robotic legs installed at the base of the construction. The case took place in Shanghai, considered the largest Chinese city, and became one of the most impressive examples of modern urban engineering.
The information was released by “G1”, based on images shown by the Chinese state broadcaster CGTN. According to the report, the structure functioned as an old primary school built in 1935. The building needed to be moved from the site to make way for the construction of a modern shopping center scheduled to be completed in 2023.
Instead of demolishing the historic building, the authorities decided to preserve the construction. To do this, they invested in an innovative technology that allowed the entire structure to be relocated without compromising its stability.
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Moreover, the project showed how modern engineering can combine urban growth, historical preservation, and robotic technology in a single operation.
How the 7,000-ton building managed to “walk” in China
The relocation of the building took place between September and October and took approximately 18 days to complete. During this period, the structure moved about 60 meters.
To make the operation possible, the engineers installed approximately 200 robotic supports under the base of the building. These devices operated in a synchronized manner. While some lifted parts of the construction, others moved forward slowly.
This alternating movement created a kind of mechanical “walk.” Therefore, many people had the impression that the building was really walking on its own.
The images quickly went viral on social media and impressed internet users worldwide.
According to CGTN, operations of this type normally use tracks installed under the structure. However, the urban space in the region prevented the use of this conventional method.
Because of this, the engineers developed a solution based on synchronized robotic movement. The technique allowed greater control over the weight and stability of the construction during the relocation.
Experts explain that moving a 7,000-ton structure requires extremely precise calculations. Professionals need to control weight distribution, structural resistance, balance, and soil stability.
Any error could cause cracks or even the collapse of the building.
Even faced with this challenge, the team managed to complete the entire operation without recording serious damage to the historic building.
School built in 1935 gained new life after historic operation
The building held great historical importance for Shanghai. Built in 1935, the old school was part of the city’s architectural memory.
Therefore, demolishing the structure could generate criticism related to cultural preservation.
The authorities decided to fully preserve the building and move it to another point in the region. The measure reinforces a growing trend in large urban centers: preserving historic buildings even during modernization processes.
Furthermore, the project also highlighted Chinese technological advancement in the construction sector.
In recent years, China has gained global prominence for gigantic infrastructure projects. The country has heavily invested in bridges, high-speed railways, skyscrapers, and advanced urban technologies.
However, the case of the “walking” building gained attention precisely for mixing historical preservation and technological innovation.
According to experts, the method used in Shanghai could serve as a reference for future similar operations in more complex urban areas.
The robotic technology applied in construction is also rapidly growing. Today, automated systems already assist in excavation, concreting, structural monitoring, and transportation of heavy materials.
In the case of the old Chinese school, the robots took on an even more impressive role: moving an entire building without the need for disassembly.
Chinese engineering impresses the world with robotic technology
The success of the operation reinforced China’s reputation as one of the world’s greatest powers in engineering and urban innovation.
The videos of the relocation drew attention because they clearly showed the building slowly moving through the streets of Shanghai. The scene seemed straight out of a science fiction movie, although it happened entirely in reality.
Despite the impressive visual impact, the entire operation took place in a controlled and safe manner.
Moreover, preserving the building avoided material waste and helped keep alive part of the city’s architectural history.
In the end, the old school built in 1935 ceased to be just a historic building. It ended up becoming a global symbol of technological innovation, advanced engineering, and urban creativity.
And you, did you imagine that there was already technology capable of making an entire building “walk” using giant robotic legs?
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