Robots move historic Shikumen buildings back to original site in Shanghai Shanghai’s iconicShikumen buildings—7,500 tonnes of history—just “walked” back home! Using 432 synchronized robots, these century-old treasures in Zhangyuan were carefully moved 10 meters/day to make way for a futuristic underground complex. | BastilleGlobal

432 small robots helped to move a traditional shikumen-style building complex in Shanghai, China. The complex, spanning over 4,030 square meters and weighing approximately 7,500 metric tons, has been moving at an average pace of about 10 meters per day since May 19. With a history of over 140 years, the Huayanli complex is one of Shanghai’s largest and best-preserved shikumen neighborhoods—a Shanghainese architectural style that blends Chinese and Western elements. Its relocation marks the large