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China Hosts First Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon, Marking AI Milestone

The event tested robotic endurance alongside human runners, with Tiangong Ultra leading the robots but finishing far behind human competitors.

Tiangong Ultra, a humanoid robot, runs across the finish line while securing the first position during the E-Town Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, in Beijing, China, on April, 19 2025.
Robots take part in what is billed as the world's first robot half marathon during the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing, China, on April 19, 2025.
One of the robots waves to the crowd. Photo: Xinhua

Overview

  • Twenty-one humanoid robots ran a 21-kilometer course alongside thousands of human participants in Beijing's Yizhuang district on April 19, 2025.
  • Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Innovation Center of Human Robotics, was the fastest robot, completing the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes, while the men's human winner finished in 1 hour and 2 minutes.
  • The robots faced real-world challenges, including rough terrain, battery swaps, and occasional falls, requiring human engineers to provide physical support during the race.
  • The event was part of Beijing E-Town's strategy to position itself as a global hub for AI and robotics, showcasing advancements in humanoid technology.
  • Organizers emphasized the race as a test of robotic endurance and adaptability, with future goals focused on industrial and everyday applications for humanoid robots.