China launches first half marathon with robots

Fascination of robotics China launches first half marathon with robots

2025-01-28 From Sandro Kipar | Transated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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In our "Fascination of Robotics" section, we present extraordinary robots to you once a month. Today: A half marathon where, in addition to human runners, humanoid robots can also participate.

Robots from the company Tiangong training with their human colleagues.(Image: Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area) — Robots from the company Tiangong training with their human colleagues.
(Image: Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area)

The Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area has announced the first marathon for humanoid robots. According to a statement, over 12,000 human runners will join 20 manufacturers of humanoid robots and their machines in the Daxing district in April. A half marathon, approximately 68,902 feet, will be run.

In addition to global companies, research institutions will also be able to participate in the race. One condition for the robots' participation is a humanoid appearance and upright walking on two legs. They must also be between 1.6 feet to 6.6 feet tall. Both controlled and autonomous robots are allowed. Changing the battery during the race is permitted.

The Chinese manufacturer Unitree has introduced a new four-legged robot with some impressive features. (Image:Steph - stock.adobe.com)

Already last year, a humanoid robot from the company Galbot accompanied the runners at a half marathon—but only during a short sprint at the finish line.

China relies on humanoid robots

The event takes place in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town), an important center for the robotics industry in Beijing. According to the administration, over 140 companies of the robotics ecosystem are located there, with a total production value of nearly 10 billion yuan (around 1.37 billion US dollars), accounting for about 50 percent of the total municipal value.

With the event, China wants to show that it can compete globally in the technological race, according to the South China Morning Post. China has identified humanoid robots as a key sector to boost economic growth in the future. Additionally, the country hopes for support for its above-average elderly population. At the end of 2024, 22 percent of Chinese people were 60 or older, it continues.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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