Chilly Morning Sparks Robotic Race Like No Other
A quiet Beijing morning turned into a groundbreaking moment as the city witnessed a half marathon involving humanoid robots for the first time. With the crack of a starting gun, 20 robots – some shaped like people and others bearing futuristic looks – joined human runners on a tough 21-kilometre challenge. The event tested not only their battery power, but also their mechanical endurance and balance.
From Lab Projects to Real Races
Chinese tech innovators have amazed people before with robots that dance, kick, or perform stunts. But this time, the machines moved out of showrooms and into a real race. Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence and human-like motion, these robots faced a course designed to mimic real roads with puddles, slopes, and bumps. Engineers followed closely, stepping in during pit stops to change batteries and keep the machines going.
Tense Moments Before the Start
Excitement filled the air before the race kicked off. Engineers worked quickly on their robots, checking systems and adjusting parts. A standout robot named Tien Kung Ultra, known for climbing stairs and its orange vest, was among the favorites. But just before the race began, a broken leg joint gave its team serious worries.
The action began fast—within seconds, one robot with a human-like faceplate tripped and fell, while another small bot zipped past it. Xuanyuan, known for reading facial expressions, stumbled briefly but kept moving.
“Robots can’t just get up like humans. It takes deep coordination to rise after a fall,” explained Yang Guodong, co-founder of CASBOT SE.
Fun, Creativity, and Surprises Along the Way
Although it was a race, the event felt more like a celebration of innovation. Some robots wore odd outfits—rain boots, hats, and even flashy coats. One paused to dance in front of cheering spectators, while another went off course and hit a fence, prompting laughter from the crowd.
At the 16-kilometre mark, the crowd gasped—Tien Kung suddenly dropped to the ground. Its engineers rushed in, rebooted the system quickly, and avoided replacing it entirely to skip a 10-minute penalty. The robot returned to the race, following a Xiaomi electric car that acted as a guide.
Noetix’s N2, popular for its human-like walk, slowed down after too many pit stops. Yet, six machines still finished the race, with Tien Kung completing the full distance in 2 hours and 40 minutes at a steady 8 km/h.
A Landmark Moment in Robotics
“It’s not about winning—it’s about proving we’ve reached a new level,” said Xiong Youjun from the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center.
While the race included many amusing moments, it also showed serious progress. These robots operated with thousands of moving parts, highlighting the growth of China’s robotics industry and bold ambition.
What’s Next for Humanoid Machines?
Big names like UBTECH and Kepler were absent, possibly because they focus more on warehouse and industrial robotics. Still, the meaning behind this race was loud and clear. With China already using around 470 robots for every 10,000 workers in factories, the shift towards smarter, more human-like machines is only beginning.
“This wasn’t just a fun run,” said Li Quan, one of the organizers. “It was a sign of the future. Humans and robots will work closer than ever before.”What began as a fun experiment has turned into a bold declaration. The robot half marathon in Beijing has opened a new chapter in how we view machines—not just as tools, but as future partners in everyday life.
