Humanoid Robots Compete in Half-Marathon for the First Time in China

In an unprecedented event in China, humanoid robots participated alongside human runners in a half-marathon race, marking a significant milestone for robotics research.

The competition took place as part of a major technology exhibition focused on advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. According to the organizers, the robots were tasked with covering the full 21-kilometer distance while maintaining balance, avoiding obstacles, and adapting to environmental changes along the route.

Although many robots failed to finish due to battery depletion, coordination issues, or software malfunctions, several models successfully completed large portions of the race. Experts described the outcome as a promising breakthrough in the field of mobile robotics.

Researchers emphasize that such tests are crucial for accelerating the development of more resilient and autonomous systems, which could eventually be deployed in areas such as search-and-rescue missions, healthcare, and logistics.

Organizers noted that despite the impressive progress, humanoid robots still have a long way to go before they can match human performance in physical endurance events.