ABB Shanghai Robotics Super Factory
On July 8–9, nearly 100 students and teachers from Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School and Shanghai Pudong Foreign Language School visited the ABB Robotics Super Factory in Shanghai. The visit was part of the "Tech Girls in Leading Enterprises" initiative, co-hosted by the Shanghai Association of Women Science and Technology Professionals and ABB.
Through factory tours, technical lectures, a female leadership forum, and hands-on experiences like FE racing simulators, the students saw how robotics is reshaping modern industry—and how technology can empower their dreams.
Opening Message: Diversity Drives Innovation
Professor Xie Huan, Vice Chair of the Shanghai Women in Science Association and Dean at Tongji University, opened the event. She emphasized that innovation needs diverse thinking and that women bring essential perspectives to science and technology. “We hope more girls can discover, love, and pursue science. That’s the purpose behind this program,” she said.
Tech Talks: From Fundamentals to AI Robotics
In the science lectures, ABB experts introduced the history of robotics, key industrial applications, and how technologies like artificial intelligence and digital twins enhance robot performance. Dr. Sun Heqing and trainer Gan Tian explained how robots can now “think,” “see,” and adapt—making them smarter and more useful across industries.
Behind the Scenes: Touring the Smart Factory
The students toured ABB’s highly automated production facility. They saw “robots building robots” and experienced human-robot collaboration on the factory floor. These real-world applications showed them how technology powers today’s manufacturing and inspired excitement for future possibilities.
Power of Role Models: Women in Science Share Their Stories
During a roundtable session, several leading female scientists and engineers met with the students. Speakers included researchers and professors from Tongji University, East China Normal University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai University, and ABB. They shared their personal paths in STEM—from early challenges to career milestones. Their stories encouraged the girls to stay curious, keep learning, and believe in their own scientific potential.
Hands-On Fun: Learning by Doing
The students didn’t just listen—they built, coded, and controlled real robots. With support from ABB engineers, they took part in a robot operation workshop. They learned to program robots for tasks like picking and assembly, experiencing how code turns into motion.
One student said, “I used to think tech was just numbers, but now I see it’s also about creativity and solving real problems.” Many students asked detailed questions and actively engaged with the engineers, showing genuine interest and enthusiasm.
Conclusion: Sparking a Future in Science
The two-day journey at ABB gave the students a glimpse into the world of robotics and the power of technology. Through learning, hands-on practice, and inspiring role models, the “Tech Girls” event lit a spark—encouraging young girls to dream bigger and aim higher in the world of science and innovation.