In China, humanoid robots stride into the future with world's first half-marathon

japantimes.co.jpPublished: 4/19/2025

Summary

Beijing hosted a world-first half-marathon featuring 21-kilometer bipedal humanoid robots, marking China's initiative to lead global advancements in technology. These robots, joining thousands of humans at the event held in E-Town—a state-backed high-tech hub—set a precedent for testing robot capabilities in real-world conditions. The race began with robots taking their first steps as the starter fired and "I Believe" played from loudspeakers.

Additional Summaries

Dozens of humanoid robots conquered the streets of Beijing in a record-breaking half-marathon, joining thousands of flesh-and-blood runners as China showcased its ambitious push to lead the global race in advanced robotics. The 21-kilometer event, held in the city's state-backed high-tech hub of E-Town, demonstrated bipedal robots' remarkable adaptability on real-world terrain, with many moving fluidly and dancing to the inspiring sound of "I Believe" played from loudspeakers as they started their race.

Dramatic moment as Chinese humanoid robots take on Beijing streets in world-first half-marathon, marking China's tech milestone. The event, held in E-Town—a state-backed high-tech hub—features a 21-kilometer race testing bipedal limits in real-world conditions.