Humanoid Robots Run – World’s First Half Marathon in Beijing
On Saturday morning 19th April 2025, just outside Beijing, the starter pistol fired—and 20 humanoid robots took their first steps into the history books. This wasn’t science fiction. It was the world’s first humanoid robot half marathon.
Side by side with human runners, these mechanical athletes tackled 21 kilometers of asphalt, slopes, puddles—and a lot of engineering nerves. Teams hovered nearby like pit crews, swapping batteries and crossing fingers.
Leading the charge was Tien Kung, a 1.8-meter bot in an orange vest, known for climbing 100 steps and surviving countless field tests… until its leg gave out mid-race. A quick reboot, and it was back on its feet—like a true marathoner.
Not every robot made it. One collapsed at 100 meters. Another took a detour into the railings. But six bots crossed the finish line, cheered on by engineers, fans, and one very patient pace car.
It wasn’t just a race. It was a glimpse into the future—where endurance meets innovation, and robots start learning what it really means to go the distance.
And that’s your robot news update for today!
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