Development and application of intelligent engineering machinery and related technologies

introduce

In this era of rapid technological advancement, intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing the construction machinery industry. This article will explore the latest trends and applications in the field of intelligent construction machinery, including the application of AI in construction machinery, the development of robot joint modules, the mass production of humanoid robots, the progress of intelligent connected vehicles, innovation through industry-academia-research collaboration, the scenario-based application of quantum computing, 6G research and development, the application of circumferential welding robots, the development of intelligent tamping machines, and the localization of key ultra-high voltage components.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Machinery

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with construction machinery is a significant trend in the industry's development. During the 2026 National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (NPC & CPPCC) sessions, Shan Zenghai, Vice President and Chief Engineer of XCMG Machinery, proposed supporting the construction of pilot bases for AI applications in intelligent construction machinery. He believes that the application of AI in the construction machinery sector can help the industry achieve high-end and intelligent transformation.

The operating environment of construction machinery is diverse, harsh, and complex. Artificial intelligence technology faces challenges in this field, including cross-scenario failures and insufficient algorithm generalization capabilities. Establishing a national-level pilot base for the application of artificial intelligence in intelligent construction machinery can effectively address these issues, bridge the gap between technology and practical applications, and is a key measure to implement national strategies and build world-class advanced manufacturing clusters.

XCMG has been actively exploring the integration of artificial intelligence and construction machinery, increasing R&D investment, promoting integrated innovation, and carrying out more than 300 industry-university-research cooperation projects with universities such as Zhejiang University, China University of Mining and Technology, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, laying a solid foundation for the future development of the industry.

Robot joint module

Robot joint modules are core components of robots, playing a crucial role in their movement and operation. The Huibo Robotics Key Components Sharing and Collaborative Innovation Center, located in Caofeidian New City, focuses on the research and development and manufacturing of various core robot components, including humanoid robots, collaborative robots, cleaning robots, and special-purpose robots.

Leveraging artificial intelligence and industrial internet technologies, the center has built an integrated robot joint R&D system covering "drive, transmission, perception, and control." Its core components, such as photovoltaic maintenance robot modules, humanoid robot joint drive modules, and dedicated robot chassis modules, have been widely applied in high-risk operations and precision manufacturing scenarios.

For example, the photovoltaic maintenance robot developed by the center has been mass-produced and applied in Zhangbei, and can automatically clean photovoltaic power generation panels, significantly saving human resources. In addition, the train carriage coal cleaning robot has increased cleaning efficiency to 15 carriages per hour and reduced labor costs by 80%, demonstrating strong technological capabilities.

Mass production of humanoid robots

Humanoid robots are attracting increasing attention from industries such as construction machinery. Companies like Zoomlion are actively involved in the research and development and production of humanoid robots. Zoomlion has already developed prototypes of wheeled and bipedal humanoid robots.

Wheeled humanoid robots are suitable for efficient movement in flat environments, while bipedal humanoid robots can mimic human gait and handle complex terrain. These robots can be applied in a variety of scenarios, such as the intelligent manufacturing of construction machinery. In the highly non-standardized production process of construction machinery products, humanoid robots can improve production flexibility through flexible operations (such as parts assembly and quality inspection).

In the field of engineering and construction, bipedal robots can replace humans in high-risk operations, such as high-altitude equipment maintenance and tunnel construction. They can also be combined with Zoomlion's large-scale machinery and equipment, such as 72-meter aerial work platforms and 4,000-ton all-terrain cranes, to form intelligent construction solutions.

Intelligent connected cars

Intelligent connected vehicles are an important component of the intelligent transportation and construction machinery ecosystem. With the development of IoT and AI technologies, intelligent connected vehicles can achieve functions such as autonomous driving, remote control, and real-time data sharing.

In the construction machinery industry, intelligent connected vehicles can be used for material transportation and equipment deployment, optimizing transportation routes, improving transportation efficiency, and reducing the risk of human error. At the same time, the data generated by intelligent connected vehicles can be used for big data analytics, helping companies better manage their fleets and improve overall operational efficiency.

However, with the increasing prevalence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and the growing interconnectivity between smart devices, the management and sharing of massive data flows has become a critical issue. To address this, Shan Zenghai proposed improving the data supervision system for the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) in construction machinery and commercial vehicles to further stimulate market vitality and promote industrial transformation and upgrading.

Industry-academia-research integration and collaborative innovation

The integration of industry, academia, and research is an important way to cultivate professional talents and promote technological innovation. Huibo Robotics Group attaches great importance to cultivating professionals who understand robots. At the Huibo Advanced Manufacturing Public Training Base in its Innovation Center, 105 sets of advanced training equipment are provided, covering six functional areas including industrial robot disassembly and comprehensive mobile robot training, creating a fully simulated industrial scenario and providing an ideal environment for practical training.

XCMG also recognizes that the integration of artificial intelligence and construction machinery depends on talent. The company advocates building a talent training system for AI-related professionals and a joint training mechanism involving "base-enterprise-university" to cultivate the AI ​​+ construction machinery professionals needed by the industry.

The collaboration between the Caofeidian District Institute of Cross-Sized Science and Systems and Tsinghua University is a successful example of industry-academia-research integration. The institute provides a platform for local industrial development, while Tsinghua University provides a top-tier research team and experimental platform. This collaboration accelerates the transformation of scientific research results, attracts high-end talent, and promotes local industrial upgrading.

Scenario-based quantum computing implementation

Quantum computing is a revolutionary technology with the potential to bring about significant changes in various fields. Although the application of quantum computing in the engineering machinery industry is still in its early stages, its prospects are vast.

Quantum computing can solve complex optimization problems in engineering machinery design, such as optimizing the structure of mechanical components to improve performance and reduce energy consumption. It can also be used for data analysis and forecasting, helping businesses better understand market trends and customer needs.

However, scenario-based quantum computing deployment faces numerous challenges, such as high costs, significant technical difficulties, and a shortage of skilled personnel. In the future, with the continuous development of quantum computing technology, it is expected to find wider application in the engineering machinery industry.

6G R&D

Research and development of 6G technology is also underway. 6G is expected to offer faster data transmission speeds, lower latency, and more stable connections, which will have a profound impact on the intelligent construction machinery industry.

With the help of 6G technology, construction machinery can achieve more real-time data communication and remote control. For example, on large construction sites, multiple pieces of construction machinery can be coordinated and controlled in real time through a 6G network, thereby improving construction efficiency and safety.

Furthermore, 6G can support more intelligent applications in the construction machinery field, such as remote maintenance and training using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. Workers can use AR/VR devices to obtain real-time information and guidance, thereby reducing on-site maintenance time and costs.

Ring welding robot

Ring welding robots are important pieces of equipment in the manufacturing process of engineering machinery. They can improve welding quality and efficiency, reduce labor intensity, and ensure product consistency.

In the manufacturing workshop of Huibo Robotics' Key Component Sharing and Collaborative Innovation Center, intelligent welding robots complete welding and assembly processes with high precision. These robots can work continuously and stably, improving the overall production efficiency of the workshop.

The application of ring welding robots in the construction machinery industry can also improve the quality of welded joints, reduce the occurrence of welding defects, and improve product reliability.

Intelligent tamping machine

Intelligent tamping machines are used in railway construction and maintenance. They can automatically detect the flatness of the rails and perform tamping operations to ensure the safety and comfort of train operation.

With the development of intelligent technology, intelligent tamping machines are becoming increasingly intelligent. They can use sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms to detect track conditions accurately in real time and adjust tamping parameters. This can improve the efficiency and quality of track maintenance, reduce the labor intensity of workers, and ensure the long-term stability of railway operations.

Localization of key ultra-high voltage components

In the field of ultra-high voltage (UHV) power transmission, the localization of key components is of great significance. It can reduce dependence on foreign technology, enhance the competitiveness of the domestic UHV industry, and ensure power grid security.

Although the references do not contain direct information on the specific localization of key ultra-high voltage components in the construction machinery industry, generally speaking, the localization process requires continuous investment in research and development, training of professional personnel, and improvement of manufacturing technology.

in conclusion

The development of intelligent construction machinery and related technologies is a complex and far-reaching process. The application of artificial intelligence, the research and development of robot joint modules, and the mass production of humanoid robots are all driving the transformation and upgrading of the construction machinery industry. At the same time, factors such as industry-academia-research collaboration, the application of quantum computing in various scenarios, and 6G research and development are also playing important roles in this process.

Looking ahead, with continuous technological advancements and deepening innovation, the intelligent construction machinery industry will face both greater opportunities and challenges. Enterprises need to continuously increase R&D investment, strengthen talent development, and promote industry-academia-research collaboration to adapt to industry trends and achieve sustainable development.