On June 8, 2025, I witnessed a groundbreaking event at the Yanji Yangtze River Bridge project in Hubei Province, where Chinese humanoid robots and quadrupedal robots took on the challenge of traversing the world’s longest catwalk. Organized by state-owned enterprises and media outlets, the live-streamed event showcased China’s advancements in robotics and engineering, highlighting the integration of cutting-edge technology in large-scale infrastructure projects. As a reporter for Global Times, I followed the “one humanoid robot and two robot dogs” throughout their journey, gaining unique insights into the technical marvels and future implications of this feat.
The Engineering Marvel: Understanding the Catwalk
Before delving into the robot challenge, it is crucial to grasp the significance of the catwalk itself. Designed by CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Company, the Yanji Yangtze River Bridge features four catwalks, each spanning approximately 3 kilometers in length and 3.45 meters in width, totaling 12 kilometers—hence the title of “world’s longest catwalk” . These temporary aerial corridors serve as vital lifelines during the bridge’s upper structure construction, facilitating the transport of workers, materials, and equipment, while also supporting the installation of main cables and decking .
What makes this catwalk particularly remarkable is its integration into the bridge’s innovative design. Due to navigation requirements of the Yangtze River and airspace restrictions from the nearby Huahu Airport, the bridge adopts a single-span crossing with large span, heavy load, and low sag-to-span ratio. It features a world-first four-main-cable double-deck suspension bridge structure with varying sags . The four main cables, each stretching about 3 kilometers, collectively measure 12 kilometers in length and contain approximately 330,000 kilometers of steel wires—enough to circle the Earth’s equator eight times. Weighing 65,000 tons, they equal the mass of multiple Eiffel Towers suspended between the towers . At full completion, each main cable will bear a maximum force of 70,000 tons, with a total pulling force of 280,000 tons across all four cables, making it the suspension bridge with the highest main cable tension globally .
Engineers emphasized that the catwalk’s record-breaking dimensions were not pursued for accolades but driven by practical construction needs. The catwalks utilize 2160-megapascal high-strength steel wire ropes, the strongest in China, and their bases consist of a double-layer mesh—coarse on the bottom and fine on top. Thirty-four horizontal channels connect the four catwalks, and the mesh is installed in 150-meter modular segments via slip-laying, ensuring a stable surface that feels almost like solid ground despite its elevated position .
The Challenge: Robots on the Sky-High Catwalk
The day’s highlight was the robotic trio’s journey from the south tower, a 184-meter-high structure equivalent to a 61-story building. As I prepared to ascend the catwalk, the sight of the 镂空 (hollow) steel mesh overlooking the surging Yangtze River induced a moment of trepidation. However, once on the catwalk, its stability impressed me even amid rainy weather and moderate winds—testament to the engineers’ precision in design .
The Robot Dogs: Agile Navigators
Two quadrupedal robots, often referred to as “robot dogs,” were tasked with traversing the entire catwalk from south to north towers. Their technical team had reinforced their legs and feet to enhance both protection and friction, critical for navigating the catwalk’s flexible surface . During the challenge, one robot dog’s “mouth” spun rapidly, revealing the operation of its lidar system, which enabled autonomous obstacle detection and avoidance . Their steady pace and ability to adapt to the catwalk’s subtle vibrations highlighted their suitability for complex, elevated environments.
The Humanoid Robot: A Symbol of China’s Robotics Prowess
The star of the show was a humanoid robot upgraded from a domestically renowned platform. Developed by Feikuo Technology, this robot demonstrated remarkable stability as it walked, waved, and blew kisses to the cameras—actions that belied the technical hurdles it faced . Liu Bingzheng, Feikuo’s co-founder, explained that the challenge posed unique difficulties: “This was our first attempt at navigating a flexible, non-paved surface at height, compounded by strong winds and catwalk sway. It tested the robot’s motion control, self-balancing, visual perception, and obstacle avoidance capabilities to the limit” .
To overcome these challenges, the team enhanced the robot’s environmental perception and motion balance algorithms, upgraded its high-precision inertial measurement unit and lidar, and installed a high-capacity battery module for extended endurance . On the catwalk, the robot adjusted its gait dynamically, using human-like pacing movements to maintain balance over the softer midsection. While it deftly avoided most obstacles, occasional assistance was needed at large metal joints in the steel mesh—underscoring areas for future improvement .
Technical Insights: Behind the Robotic Breakthrough
The success of the challenge hinged on meticulous engineering and algorithmic innovation. For the robot dogs, the focus was on mechanical durability and sensory precision. The reinforced limbs and friction-enhanced feet addressed the physical demands of the catwalk, while real-time lidar data allowed for split-second obstacle detection .
For the humanoid robot, the key advancements lay in adaptive control systems. The upgraded inertial measurement unit provided millisecond-level feedback on tilt and movement, while the enhanced lidar created high-resolution 3D maps of the catwalk’s surface. These technologies, combined with improved battery efficiency, enabled the robot to sustain stable movement for the duration of the challenge .
Liu Bingzheng emphasized the significance of real-world testing: “Challenges like this reveal gaps in theoretical models. The catwalk’s flexibility and aerial environment introduced variables we couldn’t fully simulate in a lab. Every stumble or successful maneuver provides data to refine our algorithms” .
Future Prospects: Robotics in China’s Mega-Projects
As I stood mid-catwalk, flanked by the robots and overlooking the Yangtze, the scene felt like a glimpse into the future of China’s smart infrastructure. Experts at the site agreed that this challenge was more than a stunt; it was a proof of concept for integrating robotics into high-risk, high-precision construction tasks.
Redefining Construction Labor
Luo Hang, the project’s chief engineer, envisioned a future where robots replace human workers in perilous roles. For instance, during main cable installation, technicians currently traverse the catwalk multiple times daily, covering up to 30 kilometers on foot. Robots could assume such 巡检 (inspection) tasks, reducing fatigue and exposure to hazards . “Robots excel at repetitive, precision-driven work. As their AI improves, they could even autonomously clear debris or adjust construction materials,” Luo noted .
Catalyzing Industry Integration
The challenge also underscores China’s push to merge robotics with artificial intelligence and embodied intelligence. Liu Bingzheng highlighted the cross-industry implications: “This experience will accelerate the integration of robotics with bridge engineering, logistics, and even disaster response. The ability to navigate complex terrains at height is transferable to multiple sectors” .
Experts emphasized that large-scale tests like this are vital for identifying technical bottlenecks. For example, the robot’s reliance on human assistance at certain obstacles points to the need for better object recognition and manipulation capabilities. Such insights will guide R&D efforts, ensuring that future robots are more autonomous and adaptable .
Conclusion: A Leap Forward for China’s Intelligent Manufacturing
The Yanji Yangtze River Bridge challenge marked a significant milestone in China’s robotics journey. It showcased not only the technical prowess of domestic robots but also the country’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of intelligent manufacturing in infrastructure. As Luo Hang aptly stated, “This is just the beginning. With AI advancements, robots will become indispensable partners in building China’s next generation of mega-projects” .
For the robotics team, the event was a call to action. They plan to revisit the bridge upon its 2026 completion, hoping to demonstrate further advancements in robotic autonomy. By then, the world’s longest catwalk may serve not just as a construction corridor but as a testament to how China’s robots are reshaping the future of engineering—one steady step at a time.
In an era where global competition in robotics intensifies, this challenge sends a clear message: China’s robots are ready to tackle the heights, driving innovation and redefining what’s possible in smart construction and beyond. As I descended the south tower, I couldn’t help but feel that today’s “catwalk” is tomorrow’s blueprint for a more automated, efficient, and safer industrial landscape—powered by China’s relentless pursuit of technological excellence.