Humanoid Robots Make Historic Debut at Beijing Half-Marathon

Beijing, China — In a remarkable blend of athleticism and artificial intelligence, 21 humanoid robots joined thousands of human participants at the Yizhuang Half-Marathon in Beijing on Saturday, marking the first time autonomous machines have raced alongside people over a 21-kilometre (13-mile) course.

Developed by leading Chinese robotics firms including DroidVP and Noetix Robotics, the robots came in a variety of forms—some measuring just 120 cm in height, while others towered at 1.8 metres. One manufacturer showcased a humanoid robot designed with distinctly feminine features, capable of winking and smiling, underscoring the rapid strides in human-machine interaction.

Engineered for endurance and mobility, the robots had undergone weeks of pre-race trials. Beijing officials likened the event to a motorsport-style challenge, given the complex coordination between engineering and navigation teams.

“The robots are performing impressively—very stable and well-coordinated,” said He Sishu, an AI professional among the spectators. “It feels like we are witnessing a new chapter in the evolution of robotics and artificial intelligence.”

Each robot was accompanied by a human trainer, some of whom provided physical assistance during the run. Adding to the spectacle, several robots sported running shoes, while others wore novelty accessories—one donned boxing gloves, another a red headband emblazoned with the Chinese phrase “Bound to Win.”

The standout performer was Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, which completed the course in 2 hours and 40 minutes. While the men’s human winner clocked in at 1 hour and 2 minutes, Tiangong Ultra’s achievement was hailed as a breakthrough in bipedal robotic engineering.

Tang Jian, Chief Technology Officer at the Innovation Centre—which is jointly owned by two Chinese state-owned enterprises, Xiaomi’s robotics division, and top humanoid firm UBTech—credited Tiangong Ultra’s long strides and adaptive algorithm for its success. “Its performance is the result of advanced imitation of human gait and minimal battery changes—only three throughout the race,” Tang said. “I say this with confidence—no Western robotics firm has achieved what Tiangong did today.”

While Tiangong Ultra crossed the finish line with robotic precision, not all competitors fared as well. One robot collapsed moments after the start, remaining motionless for several minutes before rebooting. Another collided with a metal railing shortly after takeoff, toppling its handler in the process.

Although humanoid robots have been featured at other events in China, this marks the first occasion they have shared a competitive racecourse with humans. The initiative underscores China’s strategic push to lead in frontier technologies, particularly in robotics and AI, as part of its broader ambition to fuel future economic growth.

Still, experts remain divided on the implications. While the spectacle captured imaginations, some analysts question whether such high-profile demonstrations translate into real-world industrial capabilities.

Nevertheless, the Yizhuang Half-Marathon has etched its place in history—not just as a test of endurance, but as a compelling preview of the increasingly blurred line between human potential and machine intelligence.