China hosts world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon alongside human runners

HONG KONG, CHINA — The notion of robots challenging humans in a road race might evoke futuristic visions of android athletic dominance, but for now, those fears appear unfounded.

Over 20 bipedal robots participated in the world’s inaugural humanoid half-marathon held in China on Saturday. While the technological achievement was notable, the robots were considerably slower than their human counterparts over the long distance.

Teams representing various companies and universities took part in the event, which served as a demonstration of China’s advancements in humanoid technology as it aims to close the gap with the United States, which currently boasts more sophisticated models.

The chief of the winning robot team asserted that their creation, despite being outpaced by humans in this specific race, was comparable to similar models from Western nations, highlighting the intensifying global competition to perfect humanoid technology.

The participating robots, varying in form and size, jogged through Beijing’s southeastern Yizhuang district, a hub for many of the capital’s tech companies.

In recent months, videos showcasing China’s humanoid robots performing activities such as bike riding, roundhouse kicks, and side flips have gained significant traction online, often amplified by state media as a crucial potential driver of economic growth.

A 2023 policy document from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology identified the humanoid robotics industry as a “new frontier in technological competition,” setting ambitious targets for mass production and secure supply chains for essential components by 2025.  

Concerns have grown in recent years regarding the potential for artificial intelligence and robots to eventually surpass human intellect. However, while AI models are rapidly advancing, raising concerns about security and the future of work, Saturday’s race indicated that humans still hold a significant advantage in endurance running.

The robots competed alongside 12,000 human participants, running in a separate, fenced-off lane. According to the state-run Beijing Daily, the robotic contestants navigated slight inclines and a winding 21-kilometer (13-mile) circuit after starting from a country park before reaching the finish line.  

Similar to human runners requiring hydration, the robot participants were permitted to receive new batteries during the race. Participating companies were also allowed to substitute their robots if they could no longer compete, although each substitution incurred a 10-minute penalty.  

The first robot to cross the finish line, Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, completed the course in two hours and 40 minutes. This time is nearly two hours behind the human world record of 56:42, held by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo. The winner of the men’s human race on Saturday finished in 1 hour and 2 minutes.  

Alan Fern, a professor of computer sciences, AI, and robotics at Oregon State University, told this publication he was “actually very impressed” that the robots finished within the time limit, stating he “would have bet that none of them would finish.”

Fern added that numerous companies in China, the US, and Europe are developing their own humanoid robots, but there is currently no “clear leader” in the industry. “And it’s gonna be interesting to see. I’m just excited that there’s so many options at this point in time,” he told this publiccation.

Tang Jian, chief technology officer for the robotics innovation center, attributed Tiangong Ultra’s performance to its long legs and an algorithm that allows it to mimic human marathon running. “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 the Reuters news agency, noting that the robot only required three battery changes during the race.

The 1.8-meter robot encountered some challenges during the event, including the multiple battery swaps. It also required a human helper to run alongside it with their hands hovering near its back as a precaution against falls. Most of the participating robots needed similar support, with some even tethered to leashes or guided by remote controls.

Amateur human contestants running in the adjacent lane had no difficulty keeping pace, with many curiously capturing the robotic spectacle on their phones as they ran.