In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and sport, Beijing’s Economic-Technological Development Area (Beijing E-Town) is set to host the world’s first humanoid robot half marathon on April 13.
The race will see humanoid robots starting alongside human athletes, charting the same course but on a separate track to ensure safety. Iron barriers and greenbelt isolations will be in place to protect both runners and machines.
Participating robots must have a humanoid appearance and be capable of walking or running on two legs—wheeled robots need not apply. They can be operated manually, semi-autonomously, or fully autonomously, showcasing the latest advancements in robotics.
With a cut-off time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, robots can swap batteries or even be replaced in a relay-style format during the race. However, each substitution comes with a 10-minute penalty, and final rankings will consider both the completion time and the number of replacements.
Last year, robots made an appearance at the Beijing E-Town Half Marathon, cheering on participants at the start and finish lines. This year, they’re stepping out onto the course themselves. The event marks a significant step toward the World Humanoid Robot Games, slated to occur ahead of the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing.
“This marathon is a thrilling opportunity to push the boundaries of robotics,” said Li Quan, deputy director of Beijing E-Town’s Management Committee. “We’re excited to see how these humanoid robots perform alongside human athletes.”
The humanoid robot half marathon not only highlights Beijing’s commitment to technological innovation but also promises to inspire a new generation of robotics enthusiasts worldwide.
