Humanoid Robots Half Marathon: Historic Race with Human Runners in Beijing.
20th April 2025, Kathmandu
In a historic move blending sports and robotics, humanoid robots ran alongside human participants in a half-marathon for the first time. The event took place on Saturday in Beijing’s southeastern Yizhuang district.
Humanoid Robots Half Marathon
Robots Run with Humans
A total of 21 humanoid robots joined thousands of human runners in the Yizhuang Half Marathon. Although robots had participated in previous marathons in China, this was the first time they raced directly with humans.
According to Reuters, this marks a new chapter in the development of humanoid robots. They are no longer just experimental models; they are now capable of entering real-world competitions.
Variety of Shapes and Skills
The robots came in various sizes and designs. Some stood under four feet, while others reached up to six feet. One robot, described by its manufacturer, had human-like features. It could blink, smile, and show feminine characteristics.
Leading Chinese tech companies like DroidUp, Neotics Robotics, and Tiangong Ultra developed the participating robots. Each team spent weeks testing and preparing their robots for the physical challenge.
Race Support and Strategy
Each robot had a human trainer for support. Some trainers even had to physically assist their robots during the run. The robots also relied on engineering and navigation teams for direction. Due to this setup, many compared the race to a motor racing event, where pit crews manage performance.
Interestingly, some robots wore running shoes, one sported boxing gloves, and another displayed a red headband that read “Definitely Winning” in Chinese. These added fun and personality to the race.
Performance and Results
Out of the 21 robots, six completed the full 21-kilometer distance. While the goal wasn’t competition, their performance still drew attention. The top human runner finished the race in around 1 hour and 2 minutes. In contrast, the robots took about 2 hours and 40 minutes, over 1 hour and 30 minutes longer.
For comparison, the world record for a half marathon is held by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, who completed the distance in 56 minutes and 42 seconds.
Showcasing Innovation
This marathon was not just about endurance. It was a demonstration of China’s rapid progress in robotics and artificial intelligence. Organizers used the event to show how robots can interact with humans in public and dynamic settings.
Although the robots didn’t win the race, their presence represented a breakthrough. Their ability to navigate complex paths, stay balanced, and adapt to outdoor environments showed real progress.
Looking Ahead
As robots continue to evolve, their participation in real-life events will likely increase. China’s half marathon showed that robots are moving beyond factories and labs. Now, they are stepping into society, one race at a time.
For more: Humanoid Robots Half Marathon
