China Hosts World’s First Humanoid Robot Race Alongside Human Participants

China held the world’s first humanoid robot race alongside human runners on Saturday, Anadolu Agency reported. The event featured nearly 20 robotic companies. The Chinese-made Tien Kung Ultra robot won the half-marathon, completing the 21-kilometer course in just under 2 hours and 40 minutes without visible fatigue, according to state media Global Times.

For safety, humans and robots were separated by barriers, and the robots’ timing was not directly compared to human runners. The humanoid robots started the race individually at one-minute intervals after a gunshot signal. Support stations along the route allowed teams to perform maintenance, such as battery replacements.

Some robots featured advanced designs, including hot-swappable battery systems to ensure continuous operation during the long-distance race. Others wore protective footwear or abrasion-resistant attachments to endure the course. The event marks a significant milestone in robotics, showcasing advancements in endurance and design for humanoid robots in competitive settings.