In a groundbreaking fusion of athleticism and artificial intelligence, Beijing will host the world's first-ever human-robot collaborative half-marathon on April 19. Over 9,000 human runners will share the 21.1-kilometer course at Yizhuang with nearly 20 humanoid robots developed by China's leading tech firms, challenging perceptions of human-machine interaction in real-world scenarios.
The Beijing Smart eSports Competition Center buzzed with activity days before the event as engineers conducted final simulations. Humanoid robots demonstrated speeds of up to 10 km/h while navigating terrain mirroring the actual race route—complete with asphalt, gravel, and uneven surfaces.
A key innovation enabling robot participation is the instant battery-swap system, allowing uninterrupted running. Technical Director Guo Yijie of the Tiangong Team explained: 'We're optimizing every aspect from joint flexibility to environmental responsiveness, drawing from human biomechanics data to refine motion patterns.'
The course design merges practical challenges with cultural storytelling, winding through Nanhaizi Park's greenery and historic Poplar Avenue. 'This integration of natural landscapes, cultural sites, and cutting-edge technology embodies China's vision for future cities,' said Liang Liang of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area.
With pit-stop-style battery changes and multi-terrain navigation, the event doubles as both a sporting spectacle and industrial showcase. While robots complete symbolic distances this year, organizers anticipate expanded roles in future editions as part of broader initiatives to advance human-robot collaboration technologies.
