21 Humanoid Robots Successfully Finish Half-Marathon in China
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# Robots Make History at Beijing Half-Marathon: A World-First Event Showcases the Future of Humanoid Robotics
In a groundbreaking blend of sports and technology, the Beijing Half-Marathon etched its name in history by featuring not only 12,000 human competitors but also 21 humanoid robots. While the robots didn’t achieve any remarkable speed, their involvement marked a significant milestone for robotics, providing an intriguing preview of the future capabilities of machine mobility and resilience.
## A New Chapter in Robotic Mobility
In an era where robotics technology is advancing rapidly, the Beijing Half-Marathon acted as a showcase for the progress made with humanoid robots — as well as the distance still to cover. As noted by Wired, this event was the first-ever half-marathon to involve bipedal robots, truly marking it as an unprecedented occurrence.
The sole criterion for robot participants was that they needed to be bipedal, walking or running on two legs rather than wheels or other enhancements. This straightforward rule resulted in a colorful array of robot designs. Some robots donned child-sized sneakers, while others had DIY footwear fashioned from duct tape. Some competitors had heads, some did not, and nearly all required on-the-spot fixes with knee pads or repairs after mishaps on the course.
## Triumphs, Tumbles, and Tech Challenges
Despite their earnest attempts, the race proved to be tough for the robot entrants. Among the 21 robots that began, only six succeeded in finishing the course. Running on a distinct track from their human counterparts, the robots faced numerous obstacles, including frequent falls, mechanical malfunctions, and overheating issues.
Many of the robots needed human support throughout the event. Each robot team consisted of two to three operators who jogged alongside, managing control panels, clearing paths, or performing emergency repairs. Some robots were cooled with liquid sprays, while others required battery swaps to keep moving.
One notable participant, Tiangong Ultra — developed by UBTech and the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center — ultimately claimed victory in the robot division. Measuring an impressive 5 feet 9 inches tall, Tiangong Ultra completed the half-marathon in 2 hours and 40 minutes, even after a fall and three battery changes. In comparison, it finished ahead of the slowest human competitor, who crossed the finish line around 3 hours and 10 minutes.
## A Landmark Moment, Despite Limitations
Although the race encountered various hiccups, it signifies a noteworthy advancement in robotics. Just five years prior, dependable bipedal locomotion in robots was still largely in the early experimental stages. Now, as Alan Fern, a robotics professor at Oregon State University, highlighted to Wired, bipedal robots are rapidly evolving to navigate intricate environments and tackle extended endurance tasks.
However, Fern also pointed out that there is currently minimal commercial interest in robots that can participate in half-marathons. Today’s walking robots are more likely to find use in industrial settings, research, or as advanced prototypes for future technological integration — such as in search and rescue missions or assessments of hazardous areas.
## More Than a Race
Beyond mere competition, the event in Beijing served as a public demonstration of robotic evolution, merging mechanical durability, adaptability, and social interaction. Many human participants couldn’t resist taking selfies with Tiangong Ultra and other robots during the race, underscoring the growing public intrigue with intelligent machinery.
While runners needn’t fear being overtaken by robots just yet, the race serves as a reminder that machines are becoming increasingly proficient in tackling real-world physical challenges. As robotics technology progresses, we may witness humanoid machines taking on more varied roles, from assisting workers to venturing into space exploration.
For now, the humanoid robots at the Beijing Half-Marathon may have stumbled and fallen — but they also made a significant leap forward for robot-kind.
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Sources:
– Wired: [Stumbling and Overheating, Most Humanoid Robots Fail to Finish Half-Marathon in Beijing](https://www.wired.com/story/beijing-half-marathon-humanoid-robots/)
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