- Over 20 robots joined humans in China’s first humanoid half-marathon.
- The event spotlighted China’s push in humanoid robotics.
Dozens of two-legged robots lined up for what organisers called the world’s first humanoid half-marathon, held over the weekend in Beijing. While the event highlighted advancements in robotics, it also showed there’s still a long way to go before machines catch up to human runners.
More than 20 bipedal robots took part in the 21-kilometer race, which unfolded in Beijing’s Yizhuang district—a hub for local tech companies. Participants came from research labs and robotics firms across China, marking a moment to showcase the country’s progress in humanoid design.
These robots have recently drawn attention online for their ability to perform tasks like bike riding, flipping, and even synchronised dancing. Their Lunar New Year gala performance earlier this year was seen by more than a billion viewers, adding to growing public interest. China’s government has increasingly positioned humanoid robotics as a strategic sector for future growth, setting goals for mass production and supply chain independence by 2025.
Local authorities have committed significant funding to the industry, with major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen collectively backing at least $10 billion worth of robotics-related initiatives. Analysts point out that, while China entered the humanoid race later than the United States, local manufacturers are closing the gap by optimising manufacturing and offering lower-cost models. BYD and XPeng, two electric vehicle makers, have also started building humanoid robots, leveraging their experience in battery and component production.
Despite challenges around core technologies—such as AI chips and precision sensors—Chinese firms are steadily improving. Analysts say partnerships with firms like Tesla, which help refine components for domestic use, have accelerated local progress.
The event unfolded alongside a much larger race of 12,000 human runners. A dedicated lane separated the robots from their human counterparts, who often glanced over to snap photos or videos as they passed the machines.
The race wasn’t just a publicity event—it was also a test. The robots needed to navigate a winding route with gradual slopes, and staying upright was part of the challenge. Most required human escorts jogging nearby for safety, with some even tethered by leashes. When battery life ran out, teams were allowed to swap out units, though each substitution came with a 10-minute penalty. Battery replacements were also allowed along the course.
The first robot to finish was Tiangong Ultra, built by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. It completed the course in 2 hours and 40 minutes—well behind the fastest human finisher at just over an hour, and far from the world record of under 57 minutes. Still, the team’s chief technology officer Tang Jian noted that the robot’s height and motion algorithm helped it sustain a steady pace, only requiring three battery swaps.
“I don’t want to boast but I think no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong’s sporting achievements,” Tang said, according to Reuters, pointing to the robot’s performance as an indicator of China’s progress in the field.
Despite concerns in recent years over AI surpassing human capabilities, the marathon served as a reminder that physical tasks—especially over long distances—still favour humans, at least for now.
While Tiangong Ultra may have crossed the line first among the robots, many participants needed extra support to finish. Whether guided by remote control or human handlers, the machines were largely outpaced by even amateur human runners. However, the event provided developers with valuable insights into endurance, battery life, and terrain navigation—all of which are crucial areas for future humanoid design improvements.
