Humanoid Robots Excel in Beijing Half-Marathon
Dozens of humanoid robots from China displayed impressive athleticism and autonomous navigation skills during a recent half-marathon in Beijing, managing to outpace human runners. This event showcased the rapid advancements in robotics technology.
In contrast to the previous year, which saw many accidents and a majority of robots unable to finish, this year marked a significant improvement. Last year’s champion completed the race in a slow two hours and 40 minutes—well over twice the winning time for human runners.
This year, the winner, a robot created by the Chinese smartphone brand Honor, crossed the finish line in just 50 minutes and 26 seconds. This performance even broke the previous half-marathon world record set by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo just a month ago.
Attendance at the event surged, with the number of participating teams increasing from 20 to more than 100. Moreover, many robots demonstrated their capabilities in autonomously navigating more difficult terrain, with nearly half not relying on remote controls. In total, 12,000 human runners participated alongside the robots on parallel tracks, which helped to prevent collisions.
The engineers behind the winning robot, particularly from Honor, expressed their excitement over their team’s achievements. The robot not only secured three podium finishes but also set world records—performing all tasks without manual intervention.
Engineer Du Xiaodi noted that the robot’s design had been honed over a year, featuring legs measuring between 90 and 95 centimeters to mirror elite human runners. They even incorporated liquid cooling technology typically seen in smartphones.
Du believes that while the industry is still young, humanoid robots will eventually influence various sectors, including manufacturing. He mentioned, perhaps somewhat cautiously, that even if fast operation might seem trivial now, it might have broader implications for structural reliability and industrial applications.
Spectators were captivated by the diversity of humanoid robots on display, each showcasing different abilities and movements—evidence, many believed, of China’s advancements in robotics. “The running posture impressed me,” shared 23-year-old engineering student Chu Tianqi. “Given the youth of AI, it’s remarkable how far it’s come.”
Chu also voiced thoughts on the future, insisting that AI would become integral; however, those reluctant to embrace it risk becoming obsolete.
Meanwhile, 11-year-old Guo Yukun, who aspires to study robotics, felt inspired by the event. He participates in robotics classes and has competed in programming competitions.
Despite showcasing the physical prowess of humanoid robots in such a competitive setting, experts caution that the technology is still primarily in the testing phase. There are significant challenges left in developing AI software robust enough for comprehensive industrial applications, particularly those requiring manual precision and situational awareness.
China is actively striving to position itself as a leader in the robotics sector, implementing various policies, such as subsidies and infrastructure enhancements, to support local innovation.
Earlier this year, the annual CCTV Spring Festival, a hugely popular television event, illustrated China’s progress in this arena by featuring a captivating martial arts display. Dozens of humanoid robots executed advanced combat routines with swords and other weapons close to human performers.
