China is set to host a historic event this April, the world’s first marathon featuring both human and robot runners. The half-marathon, taking place in Beijing’s Daxing district, will see 12,000 human athletes competing alongside humanoid robots in an exhilarating 21 km race. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers, whether human or robot, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Organized by the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town), the marathon will showcase robots developed by over 20 companies. Participating robots must meet specific criteria, such as having a humanoid form capable of walking or running on two legs, rather than using wheels.
Official guidelines stipulate that the robots should be between 0.5 and 2 meters tall, with a minimum leg extension of 0.45 meters from the hip joint to the sole. Both remote-controlled and fully autonomous robots are eligible, and battery replacements during the race are permitted.
A highlight of the event is “Tiangong,” a humanoid robot created by China’s Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center. Tiangong, capable of running at an average speed of 10 km/h, gained attention last year by running alongside human participants in the Yizhuang Half Marathon in Beijing. However, this will be the first race where humanoid robots will compete from start to finish.
The inclusion of humanoid robots in sporting events aligns with China’s broader strategy to address demographic challenges. Faced with an ageing population and a shrinking workforce, the country has heavily invested in automation and robotics to maintain economic growth. Humanoid robots are seen as crucial for achieving self-reliance and enhancing competitiveness, particularly amid rivalry with the United States.
In 2023, China represented 51% of global robot installations, with 276,288 units deployed, as reported by the International Federation of Robotics. Additionally, China plans to host another event in August, featuring humanoid robots competing in track and field, football, and other skill-based challenges.
