The Jinan-made "Shanhe" tunnel boring machine (TBM), a high-pressure jet-mechanical combined rock-breaking shield machine, was recently included in the list for the 2024 Top 10 Shandong Scientific and Technological Innovations Award.

The 17.5-meter TBM, developed by Jinan Rail Transit Group, is equipped with an intelligent system, enabling advanced geological forecasting, soil analysis, toxic gas detection, cutter wear monitoring, grouting control, and AI-assisted decision-making for efficient and precise tunneling.

To date, the project has achieved sales revenue of 400 million yuan ($54.69 million), with an estimated revenue of 800 million yuan over the next three years. It is expected to push the output value of related rail transit industries past 2 billion yuan, significantly enhancing the core competitiveness of urban rail transit equipment and safety construction in Shandong and across the country.

The 2024 Top 10 Shandong Scientific and Technological Innovations were selected by 70 academicians and experts nationwide, organized by the Shandong Innovation and Development Research Institute. The list spans fields like fundamental research, next-gen IT, high-end equipment, marine science, new energy, healthcare, advanced chemicals, and new materials, highlighting Shandong's latest and most advanced technological achievements.