In a groundbreaking event, humanoid robots joined human runners in the world’s first half-marathon in Beijing. The E-Town Half Marathon featured dozens of humanoid robots, showcasing China’s focus on advancing technology. Held in a state-backed high-tech zone, the race tested the capabilities of bipedal robots in real-world conditions.
As the race began, robots took their first steps to the upbeat music of a popular Chinese song. Human spectators eagerly lined the streets, capturing photos of the robots in action. While some robots stumbled, others demonstrated impressive abilities. Notably, the tallest robot, “Tiangong Ultra,” finished the race after overcoming a mid-race fall, completing the course in two hours and 40 minutes.
Tang Jian, the chief technology officer of the robot’s development team, expressed satisfaction with their performance. They aimed to complete the race with a single robot and stay under three hours. The team trained the robots to replicate professional runners’ movements, integrating real-world running data.
Approximately 20 teams participated, with robots ranging from 75 to 180 centimeters tall and weighing up to 88 kilograms. Some robots ran autonomously, while others were remotely controlled. Engineers emphasized that finishing the race was more important than winning. This historic event marks a significant step for humanoid robots in testing their durability and performance, further solidifying China’s role in the global tech race.