The 2024 China International Marine Underwater Robot Competition, held in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, showcased cutting-edge underwater robots and showcased talented young innovators from across China.
The two-day event, which concluded on Saturday, revolved around the theme “Embrace the Ocean, Intelligence Leads the Future”.
Around 300 young people from over 35 universities and nine primary and secondary schools participated, competing in six categories: creative, science fiction, simulation, AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle), ROV (remotely operated vehicle) and industry.
“We are committed to identifying and cultivating talent through competitions,” said Pan Xinchun, vice chairman and secretary-general of the China Marine Development Fund.
The competition was fierce and demanding, with participants having to demonstrate their skills by controlling their robots to complete difficult tasks within a time limit.
Jin Xianglong, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, highlighted the event’s broader goals.
“Through this competition, we hope to discover new innovations that can be developed into new high-quality production capabilities and eventually integrated into industry,” Jin said.
Students said the competition was a valuable opportunity to test their theoretical knowledge in a practical environment.
“I want to gain more practical experience. This competition is at a high level, I think it’s a good opportunity to test my theoretical knowledge,” said Jia Xiaofei, a student at the Ocean University of China.
The event highlighted advancements in underwater robotics and provided valuable opportunities for attendees. Winning students will have the opportunity to participate in scientific research endeavors, including ocean exploration projects with top research institutions.
Additionally, the best innovations will be showcased to venture capital firms and investors, helping to turn these innovations into tangible results.
Qingdao Underwater Robot Competition Showcases Cutting-Edge Robotics and Talented Young Innovators
A Beijing man has dedicated his life and work to documenting Beijing’s Central Axis, an iconic historical and cultural landmark of the Chinese capital that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Journalist Li Xin has collected over 100,000 historical photographs and images of Beijing’s Central Axis from around the world over the past 30 years. His collection includes the first photograph of the Temple of Heaven, the first panoramic photograph of Tiananmen Square, and the first aerial photograph of the Forbidden City.
“This is the first photograph of the Temple of Heaven, taken in 1860 by British photographer Felice Beato. Photography equipment was not that advanced at that time, so Beato used a prime lens. But what makes this photo special is that the Prayer Hall was struck by lightning in 1889. This is a very rare early photograph taken before the lightning strike,” Li said, showing some old photos on his mobile phone screen.
Li’s love for Beijing’s Central Axis led him to use a large part of his savings to purchase the painting from overseas many years ago.
“In one word, passion. I grew up in Nanjizi, next to the Axis, so I have a deep affection for Beijing and the Axis. There are always two or three pages of photos related to the Axis in my photo albums,” he said.
As a journalist, Li closely links his passion with his career. Whenever there is a TV show about the central axis, he is always the first to apply.
“At the time, I was making a program filming old buildings in Beijing, and I found that all of these buildings had some connection to Beijing’s central axis, because it is the ‘soul’ of Beijing. At the same time, I thought I was filming Beijing today, but what was Beijing like before then? Are there any videos that show it? If so, where are they, who filmed them and why? This curiosity led to my 30-year-long quest,” Li said.
To fully showcase the glory of the Central Axis, Li has combined the major events that took place there with the extensive materials he has collected, creating a documentary called “Central Axis Video Record,” which chronicles its history in a detailed timeline.
“The central axis is an ideal alignment for the design of China’s capital city and embodies the concept of an ideal order. It is truly significant that it has been realised in Beijing. I am only one stage in this process. There have been people before me and there will be people after me. I feel very fortunate to have been able to contribute,” Li said.
UNESCO announced on Saturday that Beijing’s Central Axis, a group of landmarks that embody the ideal order of China’s capital, has been added to its World Heritage list.
First established in the 13th century and fully developed in the 16th century, the Beijing Central Axis runs from north to south through Beijing’s old town. Today, it is the longest urban axis in the world, stretching 7.8 kilometers.
The Beijing Central Axis heritage area covers 589 hectares, with a buffer zone covering 4,542 hectares. Its location, layout, urban form and design reflect the traditions of ancient Chinese urban planning and are an important symbol of the unique characteristics of Chinese civilization.
Journalist devotes his life to documenting Beijing’s central axis
