China’s humanoid robots race humans in Beijing half-marathon showcase

Man vs. Machine: China pits humanoid robots against runners in Beijing half-marathon

The event highlights China’s rapid advances—and current limits—in humanlike robotics

In an unprecedented fusion of sport and technology, 21 humanoid robots joined thousands of human runners on the streets of Beijing on Saturday, participating in a 13.1-mile half-marathon that showcased both the promise and limitations of China’s emerging robotics industry.

The event, billed as the first of its kind globally, allowed China to publicly demonstrate its ambitions in humanoid robotics, a sector it aims to lead by 2027. Backed by government incentives, robotics firms in China have received subsidies, tax breaks, and talent bonuses as the country looks to increase automation across industrial sectors.

High stakes on display: stability, endurance, and public scrutiny

At the start line, the contrast between humans and machines was stark. While human runners jogged in place to stay warm, the robots—separated by barriers—stood motionless, awaiting their staggered starts to prevent collisions.

Leading the pack was Tien Kung Ultra, a 5-foot-9-inch, 115-pound robot developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center (X-Humanoid), a joint venture between robotics company UBTech, electronics giant Xiaomi, and the local Beijing government. It ran at an average speed of 6 mph and was the only robot to complete the race within the original 3.5-hour cutoff time, finishing in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds.

Tien Kung Ultra relied on wireless tracking tech that let it follow a human runner at a calibrated distance, unlike many others that were controlled remotely. It also featured custom hip joints, metal components, and sneaker soles for shock absorption and performance.

Technical hurdles and unpredictable outcomes

Despite months of preparation, many robots struggled to meet the challenge. Several failed to finish the race, while others veered off course, stalled, or fell apart mid-run. The childlike robot Little Rascal N2 and its sibling model Whirlwind Kid were among the few to cross the finish line, thanks to an extended time limit of 4 hours and 10 minutes.

One robot, Shennong, equipped with propellers, spectacularly malfunctioned just after starting—colliding with a fence and breaking into pieces, forcing organizers to remove its remains from the track. Another robot, Huanhuan, simply sat down on the course and refused to continue.

The race demanded robots to navigate hills, turns, and various surfaces, tasks that are second nature for humans but require extensive balance, control algorithms, and reinforced hardware for machines. Battery life also posed a critical limitation, with most robots needing at least one battery swap mid-race. Tien Kung Ultra changed batteries three times to complete the course.

A test of endurance—for man and machine

While robots could run indefinitely with battery swaps, human runners relied on stamina and training. The men’s human champion completed the race in just over an hour, with thousands of others finishing shortly after.

Hang Qian, a 29-year-old Beijing resident who beat Tien Kung Ultra by 10 minutes, marveled at the possibilities ahead. “For ordinary people, a half marathon is extremely challenging,” he said. “But robots can continue on by replacing the battery.”

“In the future, there could be robots competing in cooking, rock climbing or swimming,” Hang added. “I’m looking forward to them all.”

China’s robotic future in motion

The marathon marked more than just a technical demonstration—it was a symbol of China’s growing ambitions in next-gen robotics, especially amid global tech competition. While Tien Kung Ultra impressed, the event also revealed the formidable challenges still facing humanoid machines, from mobility and coordination to hardware durability and real-world adaptability.

For the crowd of onlookers—including government officials—the race was as much a spectacle as it was a signal: China is serious about putting robots into motion, one step at a time.

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