As we saw earlier this month, Samsung has developed flat robots used to park cars.

This same month, China's Shanghai Construction No 2, an engineering and construction firm, also used small robots to move something larger overhead. Considerably larger: An entire city block.

Tasked with excavating a three-story underground space in Shanghai's Zhangyuan neighborhood, the firm found it would not be possible without demolishing the shikumen complex above. (Shikumen buildings are to Shanghai what tenement buildings are to New York, and they have historical significance.) They thus decided to temporarily move the entire block out of the way, using 432 walking robots that they developed specifically for the purpose.

These 'bots are essentially 10-ton hydraulic jacks with feet. Interconnected and synchronized, they work together to lift the building complex, then take slow steps in the desired direction. In 2023, they lifted the entire block and began moving it at a rate of 10 meters (33') a day, taking just under three weeks to get it completely out of the way. Last month the firm completed their excavation, and began shuffling the complex back into place. It was completely returned to its original location in early June.

Here's a look at the process:

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The newly-excavated area will contain cultural and commercial spaces, as well as a parking complex and access to Shanghai's Metro lines.