Humanoid Robots Compete in Marathon Against Humans in Beijing

In a remarkable exhibition of technological advancement, humanoid robots participated in a half-marathon in Beijing, showcasing the capabilities of China's high-tech innovations. The event took place in the Yizhuang district, where a distance of 21.0975 kilometers was set for both human runners and robotic competitors. A total of 20 companies and research institutions entered their models, each required to meet specific criteria, including having two legs.

Despite the ambitious nature of the event, some robots struggled to even begin the race, as observed during a broadcast by Chinese state television. Others completed the course at a pace so slow that their creators could easily surpass them. The race attracted over 10,000 human participants, highlighting the growing interest in such technological endeavors.

The robots were separated from their human counterparts by barriers, and special regulations allowed engineers to make adjustments to their robotic entrants, albeit with accompanying time penalties for those that required assistance to finish.

Ultimately, a human runner crossed the finish line first, completing the race in 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 7 seconds. The fastest humanoid, known as 'Tiangong', finished in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 24 seconds, placing it significantly ahead of the second robot competitor. The 'Tiangong' robot is based on a platform developed by the Chinese government, which emphasizes open-source technology, allowing other robotics companies and research institutions to use it as a foundation for their projects.

The Chinese government is optimistic that this open-source approach will accelerate the development of humanoid robots for various industrial applications, facilitating their commercialization.

The organizers touted the marathon as the world's first half-marathon featuring robots; however, the 'Tiangong' model had previously participated in a similar event in 2024, which raises questions about the novelty of this year's competition. Experts, like Maren Bennewitz from the University of Bonn, noted that such competitions are essential for testing the practical capabilities of humanoid robots, focusing on both their hardware and software functionalities. The challenge lies in the robots' ability to perceive and react to their environment effectively.

Daniel Rixen, a professor of applied mechanics at the Technical University of Munich, characterized the event as a public relations initiative aimed at showcasing China's technological prowess in robotics, akin to how Formula 1 demonstrates advancements in automotive technology.

Rixen pointed out that for robots to successfully navigate the half-marathon, they need to be energy-efficient and equipped with robust components that can withstand dynamic stress. Moreover, their movements must be carefully planned and controlled to ensure they can follow a designated path autonomously without falling.

This event also served as a subtle message to the United States, China's primary technological competitor, amid ongoing trade tensions. U.S. firms like Figure AI, Tesla, Agility, and Boston Dynamics are making strides in developing advanced movements and cognitive functions in artificial intelligence, and China aims to assert its leadership in the humanoid robotics race. Rixen noted that China has gained a technological edge in this field, supported by a vibrant industry capable of producing advanced humanoid robots at competitive prices.

The robotics market is projected to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming decades, with analysts predicting annual sales could reach up to 50 million units by 2050. Chinese companies are already testing humanoid robots for various tasks in factories and warehouses. Collaborations, such as between Unitree and the state-owned Great Wall Motor, aim to integrate robotics into the automotive sector, with plans to incorporate robotic dogs into off-road vehicles for equipment transport.

The Chinese government actively supports advancements in robotics technology, as highlighted in its 2025 work report. Earlier developments, such as those from the AI company DeepSeek, have garnered significant attention. The government also announced plans to increase funding for emerging industries like embodied AI, as detailed during the National People's Congress in March.

China's commitment to fostering interest in robotics extends to public demonstrations, such as a recent spring festival gala where robotic units performed a folk dance in front of millions of viewers. State-controlled media frequently publicizes achievements in robotics, including the deployment of dog-like robots for police patrols in urban areas, equipped with advanced sensors and cameras designed to enhance smart city initiatives in Beijing.