First‑Ever Humanoid Robot Half‑Marathon in China

Beijing’s Yizhuang district hosted the world’s first humanoid robot half‑marathon, where 21 bipedal robots ran alongside 12,000 human participants over a 21‑kilometer (13‑mile) course. This unprecedented event marks a major step in China’s ambition to advance artificial intelligence and robotics. 

• 21 humanoid robots competed with 12,000 human runners in Beijing’s Yizhuang half‑marathon.

• Winning robot, Tiangong Ultra, completed the course in 2h 40m, over twice the human winner’s 1h 02m time.

• The event aimed to stress-test battery life, motors, structure, and running algorithms in real‑world conditions.

• Robots ran on a separate lane, with some operating autonomously and others remotely controlled.

• Several machines fell or stalled, underscoring ongoing engineering challenges.

• Demonstrates China’s push to integrate humanoid robots into industrial and household applications.

China has declared AI and robotics as strategic pillars for its next phase of economic growth. By staging a half‑marathon with humanoid robots, Beijing seeks to:

• Showcase breakthroughs in bipedal locomotion and robotic endurance.

• Test robots under real-world stresses—uneven terrain, extended continuous operation, and unpredictable obstacles.

• Signal to global competitors, especially the United States, that China is closing the gap in humanoid robot development. 

This marathon follows smaller-scale robotics runs in recent months, but no event has combined distance, public spectacle, and mixed human participation at this scale.

Twenty‑one robots from over 20 Chinese firms and research centers took part, including:

• Beijing Innovation Center of Human Robotics – Creator of Tiangong Ultra, which claimed victory.

• DroidUP – Presented a Transformer‑like android, complete with propellers for balance.

• Noetix Robotics – Brought a model that trained daily to run 21 km at ~7 min/km pace.

• UBTech and Xiaomi Robotics – Invested through joint ventures in the winning team’s technology.

Robots varied in height (75 cm to 180 cm) and weight (up to 88 kg), some featuring human‑like facial expressions, boxing gloves, or “Bound to Win” headbands.

• Location: Beijing Economic‑Technological Development Area (E‑Town)

• Distance: 21 km, mirroring the human half‑marathon route

• Tracks: Robots on a dedicated lane separated from human runners to ensure safety and space for technical support

Engineers could tweak algorithms, adjust battery packs, or physically support machines during the run—actions banned in human competition but vital for a successful robotics demonstration

• Tiangong Ultra” crossed the finish line in 2 h 40 m, powered by long‑legged mechanics and a running algorithm mimicking human gait 

• One robot collapsed at the start, lying motionless for minutes before righting itself to cheers.

• Another veered into a barrier, toppling its handler, illustrating balance challenges.

• Several machines switched batteries mid‑race—Tiangong Ultra did so only three times, showcasing efficient battery management

Robotics engineers described the marathon as a stress test for:

• Battery technology: Continuous power draw over 2–3 hours

• Motors & actuators: Sustained torque for uphill, downhill, and flat surfaces

• Algorithms: Real‑time balance correction and adaptive stride planning

• Structural resilience: Enduring physical jolts, slips, and minor collisions

“It’s a serious test for the battery, the motors, the structure—even the algorithms,” said Cui Wenhao, a 28‑year‑old engineer at Noetix Robotics

Liang Liang, Deputy Director at Beijing E‑Town Management Committee:

“Getting onto the race track might seem like a small step for humans, but it’s a giant leap for humanoid robots. The marathon helps push robots one step closer toward industrialization.

He Sishu, AI worker and spectator:

“The robots are running very well, very stable… I feel I’m witnessing the evolution of robots and AI.

Kong Yichang, Engineer at DroidUP:

“The significance lies in humanoid robots integrating into human society and doing things humans do.

China’s roadmap for humanoid robots includes:

1. Industrial Deployment: Transition from demonstrations to assembly lines, warehouses, and logistics hubs.

2. Service Roles: Assist in healthcare, elderly care, and hospitality.

3. Household Helpers: Perform chores, maintenance tasks, and social companionship.

4. Continued Endurance Trials: Longer‑distance runs and outdoor navigation in varied climates.

“A focus going forward will be industrial applications so robots can truly enter factories, business scenarios, and households,” said Tang Jian, CTO of Beijing Innovation Center of Human Robotics

Spectacle vs. Utility: While visually impressive, the half‑marathon highlights both progress and remaining hurdles.

Innovation Showcase: The event underlines China’s commitment to lead in AI & robotics by 2025.

Benchmark for Others: Sets a precedent for robot‑human integrated events worldwide.

Stay Alert: As technology advances, expect more public tests of autonomous machines in everyday settings.

The first‑ever humanoid robot half‑marathon in Beijing represents more than a race—it symbolizes a pivotal moment in the journey toward coexisting with intelligent machines. As robots complete longer and more demanding tasks, society edges closer to a future where humans and humanoid robots work, play, and perhaps even compete side by side.

Stay ahead of the curve—bookmark our site for ongoing coverage of robotics breakthroughs and AI innovations.