China is preparing to host the world’s first marathon featuring human and robot participants. Scheduled to take place in April in Beijing’s Daxing district, this half-marathon will mark a historic milestone as humanoid robots will race along with 12,000 human athletes in a 21-kilometer race. The top three runners, be they human or robot, will receive prizes for the event, adding a thrilling competitive edge.
Humanoid Robots to Compete Alongside Human Athletes
According to the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town), the robots participating in this marathon are developed by over 20 companies. The primary requirement for the robots is that they must resemble humans and possess the mechanical structure necessary for actions such as bipedal walking or running, excluding those with wheels.
“The robots must be between 0.5 meters and 2 meters tall, and their extension from the hip joint to the sole must be at least 0.45 meters,” the organising body stated. Both remote-controlled and fully autonomous humanoid robots are eligible to race, and operators are allowed to change their batteries mid-race to ensure smooth participation.
Tiangong: A Humanoid Robot to Watch
Among the participating robots will be “Tiangong,” developed by China’s Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center. Tiangong, which runs at an average speed of 10 kilometers per hour, previously made headlines for running in the Yizhuang Half Marathon last year, where it joined human runners at both the start and finish lines. This marathon will mark the first time humanoid robots participate in the full 21-kilometer race.
China’s Push for Robotics Amid Demographic Challenges
The event comes as China grapples with demographic challenges, including an aging population and a shrinking workforce. These issues have prompted significant investment in automation and robotics, with humanoid robots seen as a vital component for driving economic growth. The Chinese government has identified this technology as key to achieving self-reliance and competing with global powers like the United States.
In 2023, China installed 276,288 robots, accounting for 51% of the global total, according to the International Federation of Robotics. This push towards robotics is part of a broader initiative to develop cutting-edge technologies that support various sectors, including manufacturing and services.
Following the success of the marathon, Beijing plans to host another event in August, where humanoid robots will compete in track and field events, football, and other skill-based challenges. This further cements China’s position as a leader in the field of robotics and innovation, bringing the country closer to a future where humanoid robots play a significant role in both technology and society.
As the world watches China’s technological ambitions unfold, the April marathon marks a major step forward in the development and integration of humanoid robots in everyday life.
