Robots Take Stride in World’s First Humanoid Half-Marathon in Beijing

Beijing, April 19: In a futuristic twist to the classic road race, more than 20 two-legged robots competed alongside 12,000 human runners in the world’s first humanoid half-marathon held in Beijing on Saturday. While the event showcased impressive technological advancements, the mechanical competitors proved they still have some catching up to do.

The race, held in the tech-heavy Yizhuang district of southeastern Beijing, featured robots of varying shapes and sizes jogging over a 21-kilometer (13-mile) circuit. It marked a significant milestone in China's push to lead the global race in humanoid robotics — a sector the government has labeled a “new frontier in technological competition.”

Despite their best efforts, the robots lagged behind their human counterparts. The fastest robot, Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes — nearly two hours slower than the current human world record and well behind the day’s top human runner, who clocked in at 1 hour and 2 minutes.

“This performance proves Tiangong Ultra is at par with similar Western models, especially in sports,” said Tang Jian, Chief Technology Officer at the innovation center. “I don’t want to boast, but I think no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong’s sporting achievements.”

Tiangong Ultra, standing at 1.8 meters, ran with minimal support, switching batteries only three times during the race. However, like most participating robots, it required a human helper to jog nearby for balance support in case of a fall. Others were either on leashes or controlled remotely.

The half-marathon highlighted not just speed but also resilience. The track included slopes and sharp turns, challenging even the most agile bots. Robot teams were allowed to change batteries along the way to simulate the human need for hydration. Substituting a robot mid-race was permitted but came with a 10-minute penalty.

The spectacle drew fascination from human runners, many of whom took out their phones mid-race to record the androids jogging beside them. Videos and images from the event quickly trended online, capturing the imagination of tech enthusiasts and the general public alike.

China has been rapidly pushing its humanoid robotics industry, with state media frequently showcasing robots capable of complex tasks like roundhouse kicks, flips, and even riding bicycles. In a 2023 policy document, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology set goals for mass-producing humanoid robots and securing core supply chains by 2025.

While fears persist about the long-term implications of AI and robotics on jobs and human relevance, Saturday’s event offered a lighthearted reminder that — for now — humans still hold the upper hand, at least on the racetrack.