World News
Man vs. Robot Showdown Set for Beijing Half-Marathon

Clear Facts
- Over 12,000 human runners will compete against 20 robots in a half-marathon in Beijing, China.
- The event is touted as the world’s first humanoid-versus-robot half-marathon, taking place in Beijing’s E-Town.
- Robots must have a humanoid appearance and are not required to be fully autonomous, allowing for remote operation.
In an unprecedented event, more than 12,000 human athletes are set to face off against 20 robots in a half-marathon in China. This unique race, claimed to be the world’s first of its kind, will be held in April within the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing’s E-Town.
The competition will see robots representing 20 different teams from global robotics companies, research institutions, robot clubs, and universities. These mechanical competitors must adhere to specific guidelines, including the ability to walk or run on two legs and maintaining a “humanoid appearance.”
The robots are prohibited from using wheels and must stand between 1.6 and 6.5 feet tall. Furthermore, the extension from the hip joint to the foot sole must measure at least 0.45 meters. Despite these requirements, the robots do not need to operate autonomously, as teams have the option to control them remotely.
The top three finishers, whether human or machine, will receive prizes. Interestingly, no bipedal robot has yet completed a race of this length, 21.1 kilometers or 13 miles, suggesting humans might have the upper hand.
In terms of performance, Chinese robots are currently outpacing their American counterparts. In March 2024, Unitree Robotics from Shanghai demonstrated their robot, the H1 V3.0, achieving a speed of 7.38 mph on a flat surface. This surpassed the previous Guinness World Record of 5.59 mph set by a Boston Dynamics machine.
A video from Unitree showcased the robot’s capabilities, including lifting small crates and descending stairs. By January, updated designs allowed for smoother and faster movement, even on uneven terrain, as seen in footage of the robot navigating city streets, sidewalks, and parks.
Unitree’s wheeled robots add another layer of intrigue, as they can perform parkour, travel off-road at high speeds, and leap from significant heights.
Beijing’s E-Town is home to approximately 140 robotics companies, generating a combined output of about $1.4 billion. China has expressed its intent to focus on the industrialization of advanced humanoid products and cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies.
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