What happened when robots raced humans in world-first half-marathon

WorldTechnology
19 Apr 2025 • 7:43 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Twenty-one humanoid robots participated in the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing, marking the first time robots have raced alongside humans in a 21-km event.
  • The robots, varying in size and design, were accompanied by human trainers who provided support during the race.
  • While some robots completed the race, others experienced difficulties, including falls and collisions.
  • This event, while showcasing advancements in robotics, has been viewed by some experts as more of a hardware endurance test than a demonstration of significant AI breakthroughs.
  • China aims to leverage investments in robotics to stimulate economic growth, although the practical industrial applications of robots that can run marathons are debated.

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