Twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of runners at the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing, the first time these machines have raced alongside humans over a 13-mile course.

Beijing

Humanoid robots participated in a significant event, competing alongside human runners for the first time in the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing. A total of 21 robots took part in the race, each accompanied by human trainers who were on hand to provide physical support as needed. Some of the robots experienced difficulties, such as one that fell at the starting line and another that collided with a railing, resulting in its operator falling. 

The event was remarkable for showcasing Tiangong Ultra, the winning robot that completed the race in two hours and 40 minutes, although still far behind the men's winner, who finished in just over an hour. Spectators, including He Xishu, an expert in artificial intelligence, viewed the event as a significant display of sportsmanship. For many, the race highlighted both human and robot capabilities and felt like witnessing the evolution of AI and machine development. 

This unique marathon allowed robots from various Chinese manufacturers like Droid-UP and Noetix Robotics to showcase their engineering and navigation capabilities. The robots varied in size, ranging from less than four feet to nearly six feet tall. Beijing officials likened the event more to a race car competition due to the reliance on engineering prowess and teamwork. China's investment in pioneering industries like robotics aims to fuel economic growth, though some industry analysts express skepticism about the relevance of such events in demonstrating robots' industrial viability.



Robots race machines in Beijing half marathon

Humanoid robots raced against humans for the first time, in a half-marathon in China's Beijing on Saturday. The robots were accompanied by human trainers, who sometimes had to physically support the machines during the race. One of the robots fell over at the starting line and lay flat on the ground. Another crashed into a railing after running a short distance, causing its human operator to fall over. The winning robot, Tiangong Ultra, finished in two hours and 40 minutes. A long way to go before it can surpass the men's winner, who finished in an hour and two minutes. The race drew crowds of spectators, including He Xishu, who works in the field of artificial intelligence. There's a kind of sportsmanship, whether it's humans or robots, they are all exercising. It feels like I'm watching the development of machines, the development of AI. Although humanoid robots have made appearances at marathons in China over the past year, this was the first time they were competing alongside humans. The robots, from Chinese manufacturers such as Droid-UP and Noetix Robotics, came in different shapes and sizes. Some were shorter than four feet, while some were nearly six feet tall. Beijing officials have described the event as more akin to a race car competition, given the need for engineering and navigation teams. China is hoping that investment in frontier industries like robotics can help create new engines of economic growth. Some analysts, though, question whether having robots enter marathons is a reliable indicator of their industrial potential.

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