In a groundbreaking event held in Beijing on Saturday, humanoid robots competed alongside human runners in a half-marathon, marking a first-of-its-kind fusion of athleticism and advanced robotics.
The 21.1-kilometer (13.1-mile) race featured a diverse lineup of bipedal robots, each accompanied by dedicated teams of engineers, operators, and navigators. To ensure safety and smooth coordination, the robotic participants ran on a separate, parallel track divided from the human course.
A robot takes part in what is billed as the world’s first robot half marathon during the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)A robot attends the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Unlike their human counterparts, the robotic entries followed customized race protocols, which included scheduled battery replacement stops akin to pit stops in motorsports. A total of 20 robotic teams took part in the event, showcasing a variety of technical designs and movement capabilities.
A robot takes part in what is billed as the world’s first robot half marathon during the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)The team behind the Sky Project Ultra robot also known as Tien Kung Ultra celebrate after winning the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
The Sky Project Ultra, also known as Tien Kung Ultra and developed by the Tien Kung Team, emerged as the top finisher in the robot category, completing the course in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds.
The Sky Project Ultra robot also known as Tien Kung Ultra is awarded the gold medal after winning the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)Four legged robots perform before the award ceremony for the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
In addition to the main competition, special awards were presented for categories such as best endurance, most efficient gait design, and most innovative form. Organizers hailed the event as a major step forward in integrating robotics with real-world physical challenges, highlighting the evolving synergy between human ingenuity and machine potential.
A robot takes part in what is billed as the world’s first robot half marathon during the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)The crew of a robot reacts as the robot loses control at the start during the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)A robot from DroidUp walks to the award ceremony after winning the second runner up position in the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
