Weihai's marine equipment industry gains momentum

The cutting-edge deep-sea cable-laying robot from Shandong Future Robot is poised to commence its underwater operations. [Photo by Xie Jing, Sun Jianan/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Shandong Future Robot is a leader in shipbuilding and ocean engineering equipment in Weihai Torch Hi-tech Science Park in Weihai, Shandong province. It recently deployed its deep-sea cable-laying robot in an offshore wind farm in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, which uses high-pressure jets to create a 3-meter-deep trench on the ocean floor where the cable is laid.

To achieve this technological breakthrough, the company has set up 22 project teams comprising experts in software, hardware, and hydraulics to advance research and development in areas such as high-pressure resistance, navigation and positioning, and power transmission. Shandong Future Robot has also collaborated with Harbin Institute of Technology and has been listed as a key enterprise, receiving over 50 million yuan ($6.89 million) in funding from provincial, municipal, and district governments. Currently, the company has over 50 models, and its deep-sea robots have achieved a 60 percent domestic market share.

Weihai Torch Hi-tech Science Park has played a pivotal role in the growth of Shandong Future Robot by providing a comprehensive innovation ecosystem. The park has established various platforms for technology research and development, public services, and technology transfer, as well as innovative management systems and talent recruitment mechanisms. It has also fostered collaborations with renowned domestic and foreign universities, research institutions, and technology transfer organizations to create a synergistic innovation system.

With over 200 top professionals in marine innovation projects, Weihai Torch Hi-tech Science Park provides the talent and ideas needed for the development of the marine engineering equipment industry. (Edited by Yang Yingxue)