Witness the future of AI in action! China is set to host a unique half-marathon where humans will compete against advanced humanoid robots.
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| China is pushing the limits of AI with a thrilling new competition: a half-marathon where humans will race against advanced humanoid robots. Image Courtesy: SCMP |
Beijing, China — January 26, 2025:
China is set to host a groundbreaking event in April: the world's first half-marathon featuring both human and robot runners. This unprecedented race, organized by the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town), will pit 12,000 human athletes against dozens of humanoid robots developed by over 20 companies.
The 13-mile race will see robots adhering to strict guidelines: they must possess a humanoid form, capable of bipedal movement (walking or running on two legs), and stand between 1.5 and 6.5 feet tall. Wheels are strictly prohibited. This event marks a significant milestone in the development of advanced robotics, showcasing China's ambition to lead in this field.
While this is the first race explicitly designed for human-robot competition, it's not the first time robots have graced Chinese sporting events. Last year, a bipedal robot named Tiangong participated in the Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon, though it only covered a short distance. However, Tiangong is expected to be a major contender in the upcoming race, with reported running speeds of up to 10 kilometers per hour.
Beyond this unique event, China is actively promoting robotics across various sectors. Later this year, Beijing will host an all-robot sporting event featuring track and field races, football matches, and demonstrations of advanced robotic skills. These initiatives highlight China's strategic focus on robotics as a key driver of economic growth and technological advancement.
The human-robot half-marathon promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the remarkable progress made in humanoid robotics. It will be an opportunity to witness the cutting edge of AI and robotics technology in action, as humans and their increasingly sophisticated creations compete on the same playing field.