In a scene straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster, Beijing’s Yizhuang district recently hosted the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon. On April 19, 2025, 21 bipedal robots lined up alongside thousands of human runners, each determined to conquer the 13.1-mile course. While the robots ran on a separate track, the event marked a significant milestone in robotics and artificial intelligence.
The star of the show was Tiangong Ultra, a sleek, 1.8-meter-tall robot developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre. Clocking in at 2 hours and 40 minutes, Tiangong Ultra became the first humanoid robot to complete a half-marathon. This was a remarkable improvement from its previous attempt in January, where it took eight hours to finish the race. The robot’s enhanced performance was attributed to better posture, longer strides, and technical upgrades like improved heat dissipation and algorithm optimization.
Not all robots fared as well. Some stumbled, crashed into barriers, or ran out of power mid-race. One robot even took a tumble at the start line, lying flat for several minutes before getting back up. Despite these hiccups, the event was a resounding success, drawing over 12,000 spectators who cheered on both human and robotic participants.
The race wasn’t just about speed. Awards were also given for endurance, gait design, and innovation, highlighting the multifaceted goals of the event. Organizers aimed to showcase China’s advancements in robotics and spark public interest in the field. As Jiang Guangzhi, director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, noted, “Some robots may not run elegantly or fall over and that’s normal. We’re still testing various technical approaches.
This pioneering event underscores China’s commitment to integrating robotics into everyday life. From factory floors to public services, humanoid robots are increasingly becoming a part of the landscape. The half-marathon served as both a demonstration of technological prowess and a glimpse into a future where humans and robots coexist in dynamic ways.
Curious to see how the robots fared on the track? Check out the full article for all the details and a look at the future of humanoid robotics.
