For the first time ever, robots raced against humans in a half-marathon. This event took place on Saturday in Beijing, China, where 21 humanoid robots joined thousands of human runners on a 21-kilometer (13-mile) course.
The robots varied in height, with some standing as short as 3 feet 9 inches and others reaching up to 5 feet 9 inches. They were designed to resemble humans and had to walk or run, as wheels were not permitted. This unique competition showcased the advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence.
The standout performer was a robot named Tiangong Ultra, which completed the race in two hours and 40 minutes. In comparison, the fastest human runner finished the race in one hour and two minutes. Tang Jian, the chief technology officer at the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, noted that Tiangong Ultra’s success was thanks to its long legs and an advanced algorithm that mimics human running patterns. He expressed pride in their achievement, suggesting that no other robotics companies in the West have reached such a level of performance.
During the race, some robots faced challenges. One fell at the starting line and took a few moments to get back up, while another crashed into a railing, causing its human operator to stumble. The robots were supported by human trainers, with some physically assisting them throughout the race. Notably, several robots sported running shoes, and one even wore boxing gloves and a red headband that read "Bound to Win" in Chinese.
The event highlights China’s growing presence in the robotics industry, where numerous companies are developing humanoid robots and other types of machines. Last year, the Chinese military showcased robotic dogs that were equipped to fire weapons during training exercises, indicating the diverse applications of robotic technology.
As this race demonstrated, the intersection of technology and athletics is becoming increasingly fascinating, and it will be interesting to see how these advancements continue to evolve in the future.