Humanoid Robots to Race Alongside Humans in Half MarathonHumanoid Robots to Race Alongside Humans in Half Marathon

Dozens of humanoid robots will join 12,000 human runners in a half-marathon race taking place in Beijing China’s Daxing district in April. The event promises to showcase humans and humanoid robots going head-to-head in a test of speed and endurance.

The administrative body of Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, known as E-Town, announced that robots from more than 20 companies will run alongside regular athletes. E-Town has invited global companies, research institutes, robotics clubs and universities to enter their humanoid robots.

The robots can be remote-controlled or fully autonomous but they must look like humans, have a mechanical structure capable of performing motion actions such as bipedal walking or running and not be on wheels.

The robots should be between 1.6 feet and 6.5 feet tall and their maximum extension distance from the hip joint to the sole of the foot should be at least 1.5 feet. Just like human runners might need an energy drink to deliver their best performance, robots can have their batteries replaced during the race.

The top three runners will be awarded prizes but it hasn’t been disclosed what a humanoid robot will take home if one wins. 

A humanoid robot made by Chinese robotics company Galbot joined human runners at the finish line of another half-marathon in Beijing last year, but this will be the first time robots will run the entire 13-mile course.

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E-Town announced the humans versus humanoid robot half-marathon at its 2025 cultural, commercial, tourism and sports event on Jan. 24. Co-hosted by robots named Tiangong, Tianyi and Xiaoqi, the authority also announced robot flash mobs events and a Robot World showcase for visitors to experience.

E-Town recently held a robot-themed parade at Boda Park to celebrate the lunar new year, creating Beijing’s first robot-themed park.