If the idea that robots take humans in a road race evokes dystopian images of Android athletic supremacy, then do not fear, at least at the moment.
More than 20 two -legged robots participated in the first world humanoid half -marath in China on Saturday, and – although technologically impressive – they exceeded their human masters over the long distance.
Teams of several companies and universities participated in the race, a showcase for China's progress on humanoid technology as plays catch-up with the United Stateswhich always has the most sophisticated models.
And the winning team leader said their robot – although beaten by humans in this particular race – was a match for similar western models, at a time when the race for humanoid technology is clarified.
Coming in a variety of forms and sizes, the robots jogging in the southeast district of Yizhuang in Beijing, which houses many technological companies in the capital.
In recent months, the videos of the Chinese humanoid robots making bicycle walks, round kicks and side flips have BLOWN on the internetOften amplified by state media as a key potential engine of economic growth.
In a political document in 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technologies identified the humanoid robotics industry as a “new border in technological competition”, set an objective of 2025 for mass production and secure supply chains for the main components.
A robot loses control at the beginning of what is presented as the first half -marathon of the robot in the world in Beijing, Chaina, April 19, 2025. – Ng Han Guan /
The fears have risen in recent years on how artificial intelligence – and robots – can one day thwart humans.
And while the models of AI quickly gain ground, arousing a concern for everything, of security in the future of work, the race on Saturday suggested that humans still have the top with regard to the race.
The robots were opposed to 12,000 human candidates, flowing side by side with them in a fenced path.
After having left for a campaign park, the participating robots had to overcome slight slopes and a 21 km winding circuit (13 miles) before being able to reach the finish line, according to the public exit from Beijing.
Just as human runners had to reconstruct themselves with water, robots competitors were allowed to obtain new batteries during the race. Companies were also authorized to exchange their androids with substitutes when they could no longer compete, although each substitution came with a 10 -minute penalty.
The first robot through the finish line, Tiangong Ultra – created by Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center – finished the route in two hours and 40 minutes. It's almost two hours more than the 56:42 human world record, Run by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo. The winner of the male race on Saturday finished in 1 hour and 2 minutes.
The robots participate in what is presented as the first half-marathon of the robot in the world during the half-marathon of the humanoid robot held in Beijing, China, April 19, 2025.-Ng Han Guan / Ap
Tang Jian, director of technology of Robotics Innovation Center, said that the performance of Tiangong Ultra have been helped by long legs and an algorithm allowing him to imitate how humans manage a marathon.
“I do not want to boast, but I think that no other robotics company in the West has equaled the sports achievements of Tiangong,” said Tang, according to the reuters news agency, adding that the robot had changed battery only three times during the race.
The 1.8 -meter robot fell on a few challenges during the race, which involved the multiple battery changes. He also needed an aid to run next to him, his hands hovering around his back, in the event of a fall.
Most robots required this type of support, with some of a leash. Some were led by a remote control.
Human amateur competitors who run in the other way had no difficulty in following, with the curious of them withdrawing their phones to capture robotic meetings while they were running.
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