On April 19, China hosted the world’s first robot half marathon in China. More than 20 bipedal machines took on the 21-kilometer course alongside 12,000 human runners. Although the robots crossed the finish line well after the humans, the event wasn’t just about speed — it was about progress.
An open-air experiment
The race took place in the Yizhuang district of Beijing and featured various robot models developed by Chinese companies and universities. Some machines required help along the route, with operators nearby to ensure their stability. Others, however, displayed greater autonomy and endurance.
One highlight was the Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Human Robotics Innovation Center. It completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes. With only three battery swaps, it demonstrated notable progress in bipedal locomotion and energy efficiency — two essential traits for the real-world application of humanoid systems.
A field in constant evolution
Despite the challenges faced by the robots — such as falls, balance difficulties, and the need for human assistance — the event served as an important test. The goal was to assess the current capabilities of these technologies outside the laboratory environment. Every step taken, even if unsteady, represents progress toward coexistence between humans and machines in everyday settings.
According to the project’s CTO, Tang Jian, the Tiangong Ultra was programmed with an algorithm that mimics human running biomechanics. This helps make robotic movement more natural and functional.
A future under construction
The robot half marathon in China sent a clear message: the country is making major investments in humanoid robotics. The event may also reflect a broader national strategy to prioritize robotics as a key technological field, with goals for 2025 that include mass production and supply chain development.
The public nature of the event has attracted global attention. Seeing robots perform in high-visibility scenarios helps more people engage with — and understand — the evolution of this technology.
Technical challenges and new possibilities
Running isn’t the only thing a robot must learn, but mobility is one of the most difficult areas in robotics. The fact that these machines managed to complete a long-distance challenge already signals important progress — especially given the historical limitations of bipedal movement.
Experts emphasize persistent challenges such as dynamic balance, power consumption, and autonomy. Still, events like this show that robots are stepping out of the lab and into real-world environments. That alone is a breakthrough.
A symbolic finish line
Above all, the first robot half marathon captured a powerful image of robotics today: in motion. While the technology hasn’t yet caught up with human ability, it is steadily advancing toward real-world integration.
From industry and public service to casual companionship, the robots stumbling today may be the very ones helping pave a future where we walk alongside machines — side by side.
