Humans vs. Machines: China Showcases Humanoid Robots in World’s First Half-Marathon
China made history by hosting the world’s first half-marathon featuring humanoid robots racing alongside 12,000 human runners. Discover how the robots performed, the technical challenges faced, and what this reveals about China’s ambition to lead the global robotics revolution.
A Race for the History Books: 21 Robots vs. Humans in Beijing
On April 13, 2025, the streets of Beijing witnessed a technological milestone: the world’s first half-marathon with humanoid robots officially competing against human runners. The event, part of the Beijing E-Town Half Marathon, brought together 12,000 human participants and 21 robots from companies like UBTech and Xiaomi, showcasing China’s ambitions in AI and robotics.
Despite the excitement, the outcome was a mix of achievements and setbacks. While the Tien Kung Ultra robot completed the 21 km in 2h40, other models stumbled, crashed into railings, or got lost. Only two robots finished within the original 3h30 limit, revealing that while impressive, these machines are still far from matching human endurance.
Technical Challenges: Why Running Is Hard for Robots
The marathon exposed critical limitations in current robotics. Unlike controlled lab environments, street racing demands:
Dynamic balance: Robots like Shennong (which collapsed mid-race) struggled to adjust posture on uneven terrain.
Energy management: Many required battery replacements during the race, as their systems consume energy 20 times faster than human metabolism.
Autonomous navigation: The Huanhuan robot, equipped with a human-like face, got lost after 5 km, highlighting flaws in localization algorithms.
Tang Jian, CTO of the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, explained:
"Running is a basic human ability. We want to equip robots with similar capabilities, but each step requires precise calculations of torque, friction, and gravitational force that challenge even advanced systems."
The Robotic Champion: Tien Kung Ultra
The standout was Tien Kung Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. Standing 1.75m tall and weighing 52kg, it completed the race in 2h40m42s — comparable to amateur human runners.
Technical features:
Sensors: 3D cameras and LiDAR for terrain mapping
Propulsion: High-precision hydraulic joints
Energy: Replaceable batteries every 8 km
Despite its success, Tien Kung Ultra still relies on human-guided navigation: a runner ahead carried a tracking device to guide it via Wi-Fi.
China’s Strategy: More Than a Spectacle
The event wasn’t just a media stunt. It reflects China’s plan to become the global leader in humanoid robotics by 2027, through:
Investments: $10 billion in subsidies for robotics firms
Industrial focus: Developing robots for factories, construction, and elderly care
Demographic response: 30% of China’s population will be over 60 by 2035, boosting automation demand
Wang Guolin, event organizer, summarized:
"This race tests fundamental capabilities: locomotion, stability, and energy efficiency. We aim to advance the embodied robotics industry."
Criticism and Skepticism
Western experts question the practical value. Alan Fern, robotics professor at Oregon State University, noted:
"Running is a test of mechanical endurance, not intelligence. China prioritizes agility over real-world functionality."
Other concerns include:
High costs: Each participant robot costs over $100k
Limited applications: No robots demonstrated skills beyond locomotion
"Tech theater": Suspicions the event serves political propaganda over science
The Future: Where Are Humanoid Robots Heading?
Despite criticism, China plans to expand testing:
New competitions: Swimming, climbing, and cooking contests by 2026
Industrial integration: Use in electronics and EV assembly lines
Healthcare: Assisting seniors in Shanghai hospitals by 2027
For Hang Qian, the human runner who outpaced Tien Kung Ultra, the future is promising:
"Someday, robots may compete as equals. For now, they still need lots of spare batteries!"
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