At the cold working branch of Harbin Electric Corporation in Heilongjiang, a shift toward intelligent manufacturing is reshaping traditional welding operations.

The facility has introduced collaborative welding robots to handle complex, non-standard components for hydropower and nuclear equipment. Once done entirely by hand under extreme heat and physical strain, welding tasks are now performed more efficiently and consistently with robotic support. A single robot can now process over 50 kilograms of welding material per day, nearly doubling previous human output.

Frontline workers played a key role in adapting the technology, helping translate practical welding techniques into robotic programming. The company now operates dozens of welding robots and has improved both productivity and working conditions.

To support this transformation, the enterprise has introduced innovation incentives, skills competitions, and patent support programs that encourage workers to develop and refine new techniques. Local trade union initiatives have also expanded training and education opportunities for industrial workers.

Workers say the shift has reduced physical strain, improved safety, and opened pathways to digital skills and innovation, marking a new phase in China’s evolving smart manufacturing industry.

Source: People’s Daily