Humanoid Robots Compete in Historic Half-Marathon in Beijing
Humanoid robots ran alongside human participants in Beijing's first-ever Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon, showcasing technological advancements in robotics.

Humans and humanoid robots race in Beijing's half-marathon in world first

No sweat: Humanoid robots run Chinese half-marathon alongside flesh-and-blood runners
No sweat: Humanoid robots run a Chinese half-marathon alongside flesh-and-blood competitors
Stumbling and Overheating, Most Humanoid Robots Fail to Finish Half Marathon in Beijing
Humanoid Robots Run a Chinese Half-Marathon Alongside Humans
Overview
On April 19, 2025, humanoid robots competed in Beijing's first Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon, supported by human teams. The Sky Project Ultra robot triumphed, finishing in 2:40:42. Participants faced unique guidelines, including battery swaps, while human runners adhered to traditional race rules. The event marks a significant moment in China's ambitious robotics sector, emphasizing advancements in humanoid capabilities amid ongoing technical challenges.
Analysis
Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.
FAQ
The winning robot, incorrectly identified as Sky Project Ultra in the question, was actually Tiangong Ultra, which finished in 2 hours and 40 minutes.
The robots were allowed to get new batteries during the race. Tiangong Ultra, for instance, switched batteries just three times.
Several robots faced challenges such as falling at the start or crashing into railings. Most required human support to avoid falls.