In a sci-fi-like scenario, Beijing recently hosted the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon. Over 20 two-legged machines took on the challenge, sharing the track with 12,000 human runners in what was as much a demonstration of robotic potential as it was a race.
The half-marathon unfolded in the tech-heavy Yizhuang district of southeastern Beijing. The participating robots, developed by teams from universities and tech companies across China, each had their unique builds and gait styles. As they trotted down the 21-kilometer (13-mile) course, the machines encountered a few mild slopes and winding turns – a true test of not just mechanical endurance, but coordination and balance.
For the humans in the adjacent lane, the robot’s presence was more of a spectacle than a threat. Many runners slowed down just enough to snap selfies and videos as they overtook their robotic companions. But while the machines were slower, they weren’t without their victories.
The star performer, Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 40 minutes. For context, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo holds the human half-marathon world record at 56 minutes and 42 seconds. Even the top human finisher on race day clocked in at just over an hour, but Tiangong’s feat remains a significant milestone for robotics.
The humanoid marathoners were allowed certain race-specific allowances. Battery swaps served as robotic hydration stations, and in the case of a breakdown, teams could deploy substitutes—albeit with a 10-minute time penalty per replacement. Most robots needed constant shadowing by handlers, with hands hovering near their backs in case of a tumble. Some bots were even guided by remote controls or gently tethered to prevent spills.
Despite these limitations, the spectacle was enough to impress experts overseas. Alan Fern, professor of computer science and AI at Oregon State University, told CNN he was surprised the robots finished at all. “I would have bet that none of them would finish,” he admitted, calling the performances a promising sign of what’s to come in robotics development.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology identified humanoid robotics as a “new frontier in technological competition” back in 2023, setting its sights on mass production and stable supply chains by 2025. The humanoid marathon fits neatly within that ambition, serving as both a proof of concept and a public display of progress.
Chief among those celebrating was Tang Jian, CTO of the Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. He credited Tiangong Ultra’s success to both its leg length and its human-mimicking algorithm, which helped simulate natural running rhythms. “I don’t want to boast,” Tang said, “but I think no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong’s sporting achievements.” The robot required just three battery changes throughout the course, another benchmark Tang proudly emphasized.
While still far from competing with elite athletes, these humanoid robots are edging closer to real-world utility. Their agility and balance, once considered stumbling blocks, are improving with each iteration. And as AI becomes more sophisticated, syncing it with physical mobility could unlock entirely new categories of smart robotics—from healthcare and disaster response to warehouse logistics.
