#China #Zoomlion #Manufacturing #Beijing #Robotics

Zoomlion's Leap into the Future of Smart Manufacturing

At the 2025 World Robot Conference (WRC) held from August 8 to 12 in Beijing, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. made waves by presenting its significant advancements in both industrial and humanoid robotics. This event not only highlighted Zoomlion's rich history and evolution in robotics, but also emphasized its ambition to shape the future of smart manufacturing through innovative technologies.

The Vision Behind Robotics

Zeng Guang, General Manager of Zoomlion's ZValley Technology Co. Ltd., articulated a visionary approach towards robotics, stating that industrial and humanoid robots should not be viewed merely as replacements but as partners in a revolutionary manufacturing paradigm. He described a future where robots are adaptable, capable of enhancing both product quality and production efficiency, thus leading to smarter manufacturing processes.

An Expansive Evolution

Founded in 2006, Zoomlion’s robotics journey began with the implementation of programmable industrial robots tailored for large-scale manufacturing. Over the years, they have developed adaptive robots equipped with sophisticated vision and force-sensing capabilities, thus setting a strong foundation for agile multi-model production. This evolution is epitomized at the Zoomlion Smart Industry City in Changsha, where the company operates over 2,000 adaptive robots across 300 intelligent production lines. This facility produces various machinery—including cranes, excavators, and concrete equipment—demonstrating the potential of high-mix, low-volume production processes.

In 2024, Zoomlion pivoted towards utilizing humanoid robots to address specific automation requirements outside the capabilities of standard industrial robots. The company has designed three distinct humanoid models—two wheeled and one bipedal—that have undergone pilot testing across segments such as machining, logistics, assembly, and quality inspection. These robots are characterized by their full-scene multimodal perception and intent recognition abilities, combined with advanced integrated systems for precise manipulation and dual-arm collaborative movements.

Accelerating Innovations Through Infrastructure

To fast-track the deployment of these robotic systems, Zoomlion has constructed a training center featuring over 100 specialized workstations alongside an AI-native cloud platform. This infrastructure is dedicated to large-scale data collection and model training, ensuring that their advancements are sufficiently integrated into the fabric of their intelligent manufacturing ecosystem.

Zoomlion's robust industrial internet platform connects more than 1.7 million pieces of equipment worldwide, encompassing 18 categories and over 600 models. By collecting over 30,000 data parameters, this platform helps create expansive digital assets that enable the continuous progression of both industrial and humanoid robots, facilitating real-time coordination and adaptation in production settings.

A Glimpse into the Future

Looking ahead, Zoomlion is determined to develop an innovative production model that capitalizes on the co-evolution of hardware and software. Their vision entails clusters of industrial and humanoid robots collaborating seamlessly, ultimately leading to the creation of smart factories equipped with self-perception, self-adaptation, and self-decision-making capabilities.

As Zoomlion continues to redefine the landscape of smart manufacturing, they stand at the forefront of the robotics industry, showcasing the potential that lies ahead in merging technology with actual production processes. This ambitious direction not only illustrates their commitment to innovation but also sets a precedent for the manufacturing industry's future globally.