In Photos: China Hosts World’s First Robot Half-Marathon

In Beijing, robots raced alongside humans in an innovative half-marathon. This event in Beijing’s E-Town showcased China’s desire to lead in AI and robotics technology. Dozens machines took on the 21-kilometer course to test their limits under real-world conditions.

A Milestone Race In Beijing

On Saturday morning, robots lined-up as the Chinese song ‘I Believe’ echoed from loudspeakers. Human runners were eagerly watching, their phones ready to capture this moment. After a few minutes, a small android fell and was cheered up. A propeller-powered robotic crashed into a wall, knocking an engineer to the ground. The race was a significant step forward.

Some robots ran autonomously while others were guided by engineers remotely. The focus was on finishing the race, not winning. This allowed engineers to evaluate batteries and motors. Cui Wenhao is a 28-year old engineer at Noetix Robotics. “It’s an important boost for robotics,” he said.

China’s Tech Ambition Shines

China wants to surpass the United States when it comes to AI and robotics. This event proves that. DeepSeek’s chatbot, which was cost-effective, gained fame in January and rivaled American tech. Dancing robots also dazzled the audience at the Chinese New Year Gala. China’s global tech position is strengthened as a result.

“Robots on the track is a huge leap forward,” Liang Liang said, E-Town deputy director. Nearby, engineers ran along with their creations to ensure smooth performance. Kong Yichang (25), a DroidUp employee, said, “This race is a foundation for robots to be integrated into society.” It shows that robots can integrate with human life.

The world is watching China’s innovations closely. This race was not only a test of robotic abilities but also a showcase for China’s bold vision in tech.

Short Link :

Views of the post: 90