If the idea of robots to take people in a road race creates dystopian images of Android athletic supremacy, then don’t be afraid, at least for now.
More than 20 two-legged robots competed in the world’s first humanoid half-marathon in China on Saturday and macar and technologically impressively, they did not overtake their human masters over long distances.
Teams of several companies and universities took part in the competition, a showcase of China’s progress regarding humanoid technology, as it plays catching up to the United States, which is still proud of the more complex models.
And the leader of the winning team said that their robot – although defeated by the people in this particular race – was a match for similar models from the West, at a time when the competition for perfect humanoid technology intensified.
Coming in various shapes and sizes, the robots ran through the southeast Iguang neighborhood in Beijing, the home of many of the technology companies in the capital.
Over the past few months, videos of humanoid robots in China performing bicycle rows, round kicks and side flips have blown up the Internet, often intensified by state media as a key potential engine of economic growth.
In a 2023 policy document, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China described the Humanoid Robotics industry as a “new border in technological competition”, setting a goal of 2025 for mass production and secure supplies for the supply of the main components.
Robot loses control at the beginning of what is charged as the world’s first semi -marathon in Beijing, chain, April 19, 2025 – NG HAN GUAN/AP
In recent years, they have been afraid of how artificial intelligence – and robots – one day can outsmart humans.
And while the AI models quickly recruit, they evoke concern for everything from security to the future of work, the Saturday race suggests that people still have at least the upper hand when it comes to running.
The robots were facing 12,000 human competitors running side by side with them in a fenced tape.
After leaving the village park, the participating robots had to overcome light slopes and a winding 21-kilometer (13 miles) chain before they could reach the final line, according to the State Output in Beijing every day.
Just as human runners had to be filled with water, robot racers were left to get new batteries during the race. Companies were also allowed to exchange their Androids with substitutes when they could no longer compete, although every replacement comes with a 10-minute penalty.
The first robot in the finish line, Tiangong Ultra – created by the Beijing Center for Innovation of Humanoid Robots – ended the route in two hours and 40 minutes. This is about two hours on the record of the human world from 56:42, held by the Ugandan runner Jacob Kipimo. The winner of the men’s competition on Saturday ends in 1 hour and 2 minutes.
Robots are involved in what is charged as the first half -marathon in the world during the Humanoid Robot Half Marathon held in Beijing, China, April 19, 2025 – NG HAN GUAN/AP
Tan Jian, Chief Technology Officer of the Robotics Innovation Center, said the performance of Tiangong Ultra was aided by long legs and an algorithm that allows him to imitate how people manage a marathon.
“I do not want to boast, but I think no other robotics company in the West corresponds to Tiangong’s sports achievements,” Tan said, according to the Reuters agency, adding that the robot changed batteries only three times during the race.
The 1.8-meter robot came across several challenges during the race, which included multiple battery changes. He also needed an assistant to run past him with his hands that were carrying around his back in the event of a fall.
Most of the robots require this type of support, with several strap tied. Some were led by remote control.
Amateur human competitors who were running in the other lane had no difficulty to cope, with curious among them taking out their phones to capture the robotic meetings while competing together.
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