China Completes World’s First Fully Unmanned Highway Paving Project

In a display of engineering prowess, China has resurfaced a 158-kilometre stretch of the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway using drones and autonomous robots.

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras surveyed the highway to identify repair needs, while robots executed the resurfacing with precision. This method significantly reduced the time required for completion and minimised traffic disruptions, ensuring a smoother flow for motorists.

The Sany drone swarm was employed in the resurfacing of the expressway has showcased remarkable technological advancements. Utilising high-precision path tracking algorithms and a self-developed fusion high-precision self-sensing positioning system, these drones can accurately identify and position curbstones, achieving a "zero edge-to-edge" operation.

This innovative approach eliminates the need for small rollers typically used for edge trimming, allowing for the road surface to be formed in a single step. This advancement significantly enhances both work efficiency and quality.

Safety was a top priority in the project, with the drones equipped with multiple redundant safety protection strategies. These include collaborative safety measures, electronic fences, emergency stop systems, and perception and obstacle avoidance systems. Depending on the risk level, the equipment can decelerate, pause, or execute an emergency stop in real-time, ensuring safe operations throughout the project.

The expressway, often referred to as the "Golden Channel," is a vital north-south traffic artery in China, connecting economically developed regions, according to Et Now report.

It gained notoriety in October 2015 when one of the world's worst traffic jams occurred, affecting an estimated 750 million people during National Day celebrations. The incident was triggered by a newly installed checkpoint that forced traffic to merge from 50 lanes to just 20.