BEIJING: In a first for both sports and robotics, humanoid robots completed a half-marathon alongside human runners in Beijing on Saturday, marking a world-first event that blended athleticism with innovation.
The event took place in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, where 20 robot teams ran on separate tracks but followed the same 21.1 km route as human competitors. Leading the race was Tiangong Ultra, created by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre, which completed the course in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds—an impressive 30 minutes ahead of expectations.
“All the robots today performed great dealing with challenges like turns and speed bumps,” said the Centre’s CEO, Xiong Youjun. “We made history together.”
Originally planned for April 13, the race was delayed due to high winds, giving teams more time to improve robot mechanics and software. One team, Xuanfeng Xiaozi, shared how a broken screw during a trial led them to redesign their ankle linkage for improved durability.
Each robot had a unique build—varying in height, weight, and agility. Organisers noted that these machines are prototypes intended for real-world use in manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Zhao Fuming, Director of the Beijing Marathon Association, said the robots added a new dimension to the event. “While they may not always run, robots could play helpful roles in security or race operations,” he suggested.
In the human race that followed, Ethiopian athletes triumphed in both men’s and women’s categories.
This milestone showcases China’s push in advanced robotics, potentially setting a precedent for future events where humanoid robots take on roles beyond the lab—running beside us, and possibly for us.
