China is set to make history this April by hosting the world’s first half-marathon featuring humanoid robots competing alongside 12,000 human runners. The groundbreaking event will showcase dozens of bi-pedal bots from 20 leading tech firms as they tackle a 21-kilometer (13-mile) route through Beijing.
A Technological Showcase
The race serves as a unique engineering exhibition, reflecting China’s ambitions to establish itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Organized in the E-town industrial area of Beijing’s Daxing district—a hub for high-tech innovation—the event will highlight advancements in humanoid robotics.
Strict Requirements for Robot Participants
Only humanoid robots with bi-pedal walking or running capabilities are eligible to participate. These machines must:
- Resemble humans in design.
- Stand between 0.5 and 2 meters tall.
- Have a hip-to-foot extension distance of at least 0.45 meters.
Both remote-controlled and fully autonomous robots are allowed, and battery replacements will be permitted during the race.
Star Robots on the Starting Line
One of the most anticipated contenders is “Tiangong,” a humanoid robot developed by China’s Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robotics Innovation Centre. Capable of running at an average speed of 10 km/h, Tiangong gained attention last year by participating in the Yizhuang Half Marathon. This race, however, will mark the first time humanoid robots complete an entire half-marathon alongside human competitors.
Another competitor, “Tien Kung,” is expected to run at a steady speed of 6 km/h, making it slower than Tiangong but still a significant player in the race.
A Race with Broader Implications
The event aligns with China’s push to achieve key breakthroughs in humanoid development, particularly in robotic intelligence and body movement. Humanoid robots are a priority sector in China’s strategy to enhance self-reliance, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen its position in the global tech race, especially amid ongoing competition with the United States.
Prizes for the top three finishers will be awarded, with the possibility of medals being placed around robotic necks for the first time—a symbolic milestone in the evolving relationship between humans and machines.
This unprecedented race promises not only to entertain but also to demonstrate the potential of robotics technology, bridging the gap between innovation and real-world application.
