World’s First, Dozens of Humanoid Robots Compete in Marathon in China
Grfxgamingpartybus – Beijing hosted the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon, marking a significant milestone in robotics and artificial intelligence. The event took place in the Yizhuang district, where 21 humanoid robots competed alongside thousands of human runners on parallel tracks.
Event Highlights
- Participation: Approximately 12,000 human runners and 21 humanoid robots took part in the 21-kilometer (13.1-mile) race.
- Top Performer: The standout robot, Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre, completed the course in 2 hours and 40 minutes.
- Completion Rate: Only six of the 21 robots managed to finish the race, with many experiencing issues such as overheating, stumbling, or battery depletion.
Technological Significance
The marathon served as a real-world test for humanoid robots, challenging them with variables like uneven terrain, curves, and inclines. The performance of Tiangong Ultra, which had previously taken eight hours to complete a similar course, showcased significant improvements in areas such as posture, stride, heat dissipation, component durability, system reliability, and algorithm optimization.
China’s Strategic Vision
This event aligns with China’s ambition to lead in AI and robotics by 2030. The country plans to deploy over 10,000 robots, including 1,000 humanoids, in industrial settings, reflecting a shift from being the “world’s factory” to an innovation powerhouse.
Public Reception
Spectators expressed enthusiasm and support, viewing the race as a testament to China’s rapid advancements in robotic technology. Despite the technical challenges faced by the robots, the event was seen as a successful demonstration of progress in the field.
For a visual overview of the event, you can watch the following video: