The Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) has established 31 national-level research platforms, including 17 key laboratories and nine national engineering laboratories/research centers. It also hosts the National Energy Storage Technology Industry-Education Integration Innovation Platform and the National Artificial Intelligence Industry-Education Integration Innovation Platform. Additionally, HIT operates 41 provincial/ministerial level key laboratories and 11 university-affiliated research institutes.
The Ground Simulation Facility for Space Environment, a major national scientific infrastructure project led by HIT, is the first large-scale scientific facility in the aerospace sector and the first in Northeast China. Known as the ground space station, it received national approval in 2024. This facility can comprehensively simulate nine categories of space environment factors, making it the world's largest and most comprehensive platform for studying space environment effects, with the most diverse environmental factors ever simulated. The project's overall construction standards are at an internationally advanced level, while some key technical indicators are at the international leading level, providing strong support for the development of China's space science and aerospace technology.
It has served more than 150 users and provided testing services for the research and development of more than 1,000 types of aerospace components, supporting the smooth implementation of many major space projects in China.
The national major scientific and technological infrastructure space environment ground simulation device has received national approval.
The National Key Laboratory of Precision Welding and Joining of Materials Structures, founded in 1995, was among the first batch of state-approved key laboratories. The laboratory pioneered the development of high-reliability nitride ceramic preparation technology featuring multi-form and multi-scale microstructures. This crack-resistant ceramic material is expected to be used in future smartphone cases, spacecraft radomes, and RF components, with related products generating over 500 million yuan in market value. Through independent R&D, the university developed low-vacuum laser welding equipment and processes that significantly improved welding efficiency and quality. The world's largest vacuum laser welding equipment with the widest operational range has been applied in the development of AP1000 third-generation nuclear power reactors and solid rocket engines, maintaining international leadership in both technology and equipment standards.
The National Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, originating from the Harbin Institute of Technology Robotics Research Institute established in 1986, is one of China's first institutions to conduct robotics research. Over the years, the laboratory has focused on scientific challenges and core technologies in robotics, including mechanisms, perception, autonomy, interaction, and integration. It has achieved landmark breakthroughs that have been applied to major national projects such as China's manned spaceflight, lunar exploration, deep space missions, and in-orbit servicing, establishing itself as a key technological force in China's aerospace and defense sectors.