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China Hosts First Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon, Highlighting Progress and Challenges

Tiangong Ultra finished in 2 hours and 40 minutes, but only six of 21 robots completed the 21.1 km race, underscoring the technological and logistical hurdles ahead.

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A Humanoid robot called Tiangong runs with support technicians in the Beijing E-Town Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon on April 19, 2025, in Beijing, China.
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Overview

  • The inaugural humanoid robot half-marathon took place in Beijing on April 19, 2025, with 21 robots racing alongside 12,000 human participants on a parallel course.
  • Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Innovation Center of Human Robotics, claimed victory among robots, completing the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes, aided by an advanced gait algorithm and long legs.
  • Despite the showcase of advancements in bipedal locomotion and mechanical endurance, only six robots finished the race, with many struggling with falls, overheating, and reliance on human trainers for battery swaps and support.
  • The event, part of Beijing E-Town's $686 million robotics initiative, served as a practical stress test to refine robot autonomy for future industrial, commercial, and household applications.
  • Experts noted that while the race demonstrated progress in robotic mobility, significant gaps remain in achieving practical, real-world functionality and autonomy.