A historic 7,500-tonne building complex in Shanghai has been successfully returned to its original location with the help of more than 400 robotic devices.

The 4,000-square-meter Huayanli Shikumen complex in the Zhangyuan cultural and historical district was temporarily relocated to protect it during the revitalization of the 140-year-old district, which is home to the city's largest and most well-preserved collection of Shikumen architecture.

The homecoming move began on May 19. A total of 432 miniature robotic walkers were positioned beneath the foundation, allowing the complex to "walk" steadily at an average pace of 10 meters per day. The historic complex completed its journey home on June 7.