Robots outpaced humans for the first time in the Beijing Half Marathon

In Beijing, more than 100 Chinese humanoid robots took part in a half-marathon. This year’s race in the Chinese capital demonstrated the rapid advancement of technology: the number of participating robots increased fivefold compared to last year. 

This was reported by The Guardian.

Whereas previously most machines struggled even at the start, now the majority confidently covered the distance, and some models approached the speeds of professional athletes.

The race organizers separated humans and humanoids onto different lanes for safety, but the machines’ technical capabilities allowed them to outpace the amateurs in some sections. The best result among the robots was about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Although this time still falls short of human world records, for modern robotics, such a finish is a significant breakthrough in endurance and stability of movement.

China is actively investing in the mass production of humanoids, planning to use them in both industry and daily life. Success in the marathon confirms progress in the development of complex drive systems and balancing mechanisms. While Beijing boasts of its technological achievements, the international community continues to monitor how such innovations will impact the labor market and global competition, especially against the backdrop of economic confrontation with the U.S. and sanctions pressure on Russia.

As a reminder, China has unveiled combat robot dogs that form a “pack.”

 China has launched the first fully automated facility for the mass production of humanoid robots.