In the era of rapid technological development, intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing the engineering machinery industry. This article will explore the latest trends and applications in the field of intelligent engineering machinery, including the application of AI in engineering machinery, the development of robot joint modules, the mass - production of humanoid robots, the progress of intelligent connected vehicles, the innovation of industry - education integration, the scenario - based implementation of quantum computing, the research and development of 6G, the application of ring - welding robots, the development of intelligent tamping cars, and the localization of key components for ultra - high voltage.
The integration of AI and engineering machinery is a significant trend in the industry. In 2026, during the National Two Sessions, XuGong Machinery's vice - president and chief engineer, Shan Zenghai, proposed to support the construction of an intelligent engineering machinery AI application pilot test base. The reason is that the application of AI in engineering machinery can help the industry achieve high - end and intelligent transformation.
Engineering machinery operates in diverse, harsh, and complex environments. AI technology in this field faces challenges such as cross - scenario failure and insufficient algorithm generalization ability. Building a national AI application pilot test base for intelligent engineering machinery can address these issues, bridge the gap between technology and scenario application, and is a crucial measure for implementing national strategies and creating world - class advanced manufacturing clusters.
XuGong Machinery has been actively exploring the integration of AI and engineering machinery. It has increased R & D investment, promoted integrated innovation, and carried 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. These efforts have laid a solid foundation for the future development of the industry.
Robot joint modules are the core components of robots, which play a vital role in the movement and operation of robots. The Huibo Robot Key Component Sharing and Collaborative Innovation Center in Caofeidian New City focuses on the R & D and manufacturing of core components for various robots, including humanoid robots, collaborative robots, cleaning robots, and special robots.
The center has built an integrated robot joint R & D system covering "drive, transmission, sensing, and control" with the help of artificial intelligence and industrial Internet technologies. The developed core components, such as photovoltaic maintenance robot modules, humanoid robot joint drive modules, and special robot chassis modules, are widely used in high - risk operations and precision manufacturing scenarios.
For example, the photovoltaic maintenance robot developed by the center has achieved large - scale production and application in Zhangbei. It can automatically clean photovoltaic power generation panels, significantly saving human resources. In addition, the train carriage residual coal cleaning robot has increased the cleaning efficiency to 15 carriages per hour and reduced labor costs by 80%, demonstrating strong technical strength.
Humanoid robots are attracting more and more attention in the engineering machinery and other industries. Companies like Zoomlion are actively involved in the R & D and production of humanoid robots. Zoomlion has developed prototypes of wheeled and bipedal humanoid robots.
The wheeled humanoid robot is suitable for efficient movement in flat environments, while the bipedal humanoid robot can imitate human gait to handle complex terrains. These robots can be used in multiple scenarios, such as in the intelligent manufacturing of engineering machinery. In the production process of engineering machinery products, which have a high degree of non - standardization, humanoid robots can improve production flexibility through flexible operations, such as parts assembly and quality inspection.
In the engineering and construction fields, bipedal robots can replace humans in high - risk operations such as high - altitude equipment maintenance and tunnel construction. They can also be combined with large - scale machinery of Zoomlion, such as the 72 - meter high - altitude work platform and the 4000 - ton all - terrain crane, to form an intelligent construction solution.
Intelligent connected vehicles are an important part of the intelligent transportation and engineering 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 engineering machinery industry, intelligent connected vehicles can be used for material transportation, equipment deployment, etc. They can optimize transportation routes, improve transportation efficiency, and reduce the risk of human - caused errors. At the same time, the data generated by intelligent connected vehicles can be used for big - data analysis to help enterprises better manage their fleets and improve overall operational efficiency.
However, with the increasing connection of intelligent devices through the IoT, the management of massive data flow and sharing has become a critical issue. Shan Zenghai proposed to improve the data supervision system for engineering machinery and commercial vehicle Internet of Vehicles to further stimulate market vitality and promote industrial transformation and upgrading.
Industry - education integration is an important way to cultivate professional talents and promote technological innovation. Huibo Robot Group emphasizes the importance of cultivating professionals who understand robots. In the Huibo Advanced Manufacturing Public Training Base in the innovation center, there are 105 sets of advanced training equipment and six functional areas, such as industrial robot disassembly and mobile robot comprehensive training, which create a full - simulation industrial scenario for practical training.
XuGong Machinery also realizes that the integration of AI and engineering machinery depends on talents. It advocates building a compound AI talent training system and a "base - enterprise - university" joint training mechanism to train AI + engineering machinery compound talents needed by the industry.
The cooperation between the Caofeidian District Cross - medium Science and System Research Institute and Tsinghua University is also a successful example of industry - education integration. The research institute provides a platform for local industrial development, and Tsinghua University provides top - level research teams and experimental platforms. This cooperation can accelerate the transformation of scientific research achievements, attract high - end talents, and promote local industrial upgrading.
Quantum computing is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to bring about significant changes in various fields. Although the current application of quantum computing in the engineering machinery industry is still in its infancy, it has broad prospects.
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 prediction, helping enterprises better understand market trends and customer needs.
However, the scenario - based implementation of quantum computing faces many challenges, such as high costs, technical difficulties, and talent shortages. In the future, with the continuous development of quantum computing technology, it is expected to be more widely used in the engineering machinery industry.
The research and development of 6G technology is also in progress. 6G is expected to provide faster data transmission speed, lower latency, and more stable connection, which will have a profound impact on the intelligent engineering machinery industry.
With 6G technology, engineering machinery can achieve more real - time data communication and remote control. For example, in large - scale construction sites, multiple pieces of engineering machinery can be coordinated and controlled in real - time through 6G networks, improving construction efficiency and safety.
In addition, 6G can support more intelligent applications in engineering machinery, such as the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies for remote maintenance and training. Workers can use AR/VR devices to obtain real - time information and guidance, reducing the time and cost of on - site maintenance.
Ring - welding robots are important 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 the Huibo Robot Key Component Sharing and Collaborative Innovation Center, intelligent welding robots are used to 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 engineering machinery industry can also improve the quality of welded joints, reducing the occurrence of welding defects and improving the reliability of products.
Intelligent tamping cars are used in railway construction and maintenance. They can automatically detect the flatness of the railway track and perform tamping operations to ensure the safety and comfort of train operation.
With the development of intelligent technology, intelligent tamping cars are becoming more and more intelligent. They can use sensors and AI algorithms to accurately detect track conditions and adjust tamping parameters in real - time. This can improve the efficiency and quality of track maintenance, reduce the labor intensity of workers, and ensure the long - term stability of railway operation.
In the field of ultra - high voltage, the localization of key components is of great significance. It can reduce dependence on foreign technology, improve the competitiveness of the domestic ultra - high voltage industry, and ensure the security of the power grid.
Although there is no direct information in the reference materials about the specific situation of the localization of key components for ultra - high voltage in the engineering machinery industry, in general, the localization process requires continuous investment in R & D, the cultivation of professional talents, and the improvement of manufacturing technology.
The development of intelligent engineering machinery and related technologies is a complex and far - reaching process. The application of AI, the development of robot joint modules, the mass - production of humanoid robots, and other aspects are all promoting the transformation and upgrading of the engineering machinery industry. At the same time, industry - education integration, the scenario - based implementation of quantum computing, 6G R & D, and other factors also play important roles in this process.
In the future, with the continuous progress of technology and the deepening of innovation, the intelligent engineering machinery industry will have more development opportunities and challenges. Enterprises need to continuously increase R & D investment, strengthen talent cultivation, and promote industry - education cooperation to adapt to the development trend of the industry and achieve sustainable development.