Beijing is gearing up to make history next month with the world's first half marathon featuring humanoid robots and human runners competing side by side. The groundbreaking event, scheduled for April 13 in Beijing's Economic-Technological Development Area (E-town), will see robots and athletes tackle a 21.1-kilometer course in separate lanes for safety.
In preparation, six registered robot teams conducted road tests last week, simulating race conditions. According to China Media Group (CMG), these teams represent 25% of total participants. Seven aid stations along the route will provide battery swaps—critical support given each robot will require multiple power changes to finish the race. Support crews will orchestrate rapid battery replacements akin to Formula 1 pit-stop strategies.
A race organizer emphasized safety as a top priority, with barriers and green belts separating robot and human lanes. 'This event showcases technological advancement while testing the limits of robotics in real-world scenarios,' said Wang Guolin, deputy head of the competition group.
The marathon highlights China's growing role in AI and robotics innovation, attracting interest from global tech developers and sports enthusiasts alike. E-town, a hub for high-tech industries, plans to leverage the event to strengthen collaboration between robotics firms and research institutions.
