This children’s article, Busy robots move century-old buildings in Shanghai, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and as a way for kids to explore how robots are helping to save important buildings in China. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, a writer and EFL teacher.
Robots protect history in Shanghai
In Shanghai, robots are doing something amazing. They moved entire buildings that are almost 100 years old!
These buildings had to be moved carefully to make room for new underground construction.
The buildings were built in the 1920s and 1930s. They are made in a special style called Shikumen, which means “stone gate” in Chinese.
Shikumen buildings are unique because they mix Western and traditional Chinese designs.
They have stone door frames and narrow lanes. People in Shanghai want to keep these buildings safe because they show the city’s history and culture.
How the robots moved the buildings
Instead of taking the buildings apart, workers decided to move them whole. This was a big challenge!
432 robots worked together like a team, carrying the buildings slowly and carefully. They moved the buildings at an average speed of 10 metres a day. Sounds slow, but not bad for moving a huge building.
The robots stepped in sync, almost like they were dancing. On 5th June, the buildings were moved back to their original place after the underground work was finished.
Why robots are so useful
Robots can do jobs that are too hard or dangerous for people. In this case, the robots helped save important buildings without breaking them. Moving whole buildings is a tricky task because they can be damaged if not handled carefully.
Robots can work precisely and slowly, making sure everything stays safe.
This shows how new technology can help us protect the past while building for the future.
Saving history with robot power
Shanghai’s use of robots is a great example of how science and technology can help solve big problems.
It also teaches us to respect and protect old buildings and history. Even in busy cities, it is possible to keep important parts of the past alive.
If you want to see the robots in action, watch this video: Watch the robots move an entire city block in Shanghai
Article vocabulary list
- Robots: Machines that can do work by themselves or with little help.
- Century-old: Something that is about 100 years old.
- Shikumen: A style of building from Shanghai that mixes Chinese and Western designs.
- Construction: The building of something, like houses or tunnels.
- Underground: Below the surface of the ground.
- Protect: To keep safe from harm or damage.
- Technology: The use of machines and tools to solve problems.
- Sync: Doing something at the same time or speed.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What style are the buildings moved by the robots?
a) Gothic
b) Shikumen
c) Modern
Answer: b) Shikumen
2. Why did workers move the buildings?
a) To sell them
b) To protect them during underground construction
c) To change their design
Answer: b) To protect them during underground construction
3. How many robots helped move the buildings?
a) 432
b) 100
c) 50
Answer: a) 432
4. When were the buildings originally built?
a) 1920s and 1930s
b) 1800s
c) 2000s
Answer: a) 1920s and 1930s
5. How fast did the robots move the buildings?
a) 1 metre per day
b) 10 metres per day
c) 50 metres per day
Answer: b) 10 metres per day
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
