In April, China will host the inaugural marathon featuring human runners racing alongside humanoid robots.
The event will take place in Beijing’s Daxing district and will feature a half-marathon (21 km). Dozens of humanoid robots and 12,000 human athletes are expected to participate. The South China Morning Post reports that the top three finishers will receive prizes.
The Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, or E-Town, has disclosed that over twenty companies have developed participating robots. The robots must have a human-like appearance and a mechanical structure capable of bipedal movement excluding any wheeled mechanisms. They must also be between 0.5 and 2 meters tall and have a minimum leg length from hip joint to foot sole of 0.45 meters.
Both remote-controlled and fully autonomous humanoid robots are eligible to compete, with teams allowed to replace batteries mid-race if necessary. Among the robotic participants is “Tiangong,” developed by China’s Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center. Tiangong, known for running at an average speed of 10 kilometres per hour, previously showcased its capabilities during the Yizhuang Half Marathon in Beijing. The upcoming marathon will mark the first event where humanoids participate throughout the course.
This pioneering initiative reflects China’s response to demographic shifts, such as an ageing population and a decreasing workforce, prompting significant investments in automation and robotics. The Chinese government views humanoid robots as crucial for advancing economic self-reliance and maintaining competitiveness with global powers such as the United States.
According to the International Federation of Robotics, in 2023 alone, Chinese entities installed 276,288 robots, accounting for 51% of the global population.
Additionally, Beijing plans to host a sports event in August featuring humanoid robots competing in various track and field activities, football, and other skill-based challenges, further emphasizing the integration of advanced robotics into public and competitive arenas.
