Beijing has made history by hosting the world’s first humanoid robots marathon, an event that pushed the limits of robotic technology in a real-world setting. Unlike traditional races designed only for human runners, this marathon featured specially designed humanoid robots running alongside humans over a challenging 21-kilometer course. This unique competition marked a major milestone for robotics and artificial intelligence, showcasing how far technology has advanced while highlighting the obstacles that remain before humanoid robots can become part of everyday life.
The marathon took place in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, a crucial hub for China’s growing technology sector. Organizers invited 20 teams from universities, technology companies, and research labs across China to participate. The robots themselves varied widely in size and capability. Some were small and nimble, such as the 82-centimeter-tall “Xiaohai,” while others were much larger and more robust, like the 1.8-meter-tall “Tiangong Ultra.” This range demonstrated different approaches to the challenges of humanoid robot mobility and endurance.
Out of the 20 teams, six successfully completed the full half-marathon distance of 21 kilometers. The “Tiangong Ultra” robot secured first place in the humanoid category with a finishing time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds. The marathon was not merely a race for fun; it was a carefully designed experiment to test how humanoid robots perform in outdoor environments with unpredictable factors such as uneven ground, fluctuating light, and crowds. In the past, robots were typically tested only in controlled laboratory conditions. This event required them to adapt and operate effectively in the real world, offering a valuable stress test for developers.
The importance of this marathon extends beyond the event itself. Humanoid robots are no longer limited to science fiction or experimental stages. In China, they are gradually entering industries such as manufacturing, education, research, and public safety. For example, China Southern Power Grid has developed a humanoid robot that performs powerline inspections in remote and harsh environments with temperatures ranging from minus 40 to plus 80 degrees Celsius. These robots already assist in detecting faults in mountain regions that are difficult for humans to access safely.
Experts view events like the humanoid robots marathon as crucial for advancing the technology. These tests allow developers to identify weaknesses in robot design, artificial intelligence, sensors, and movement control. Improving these aspects is necessary before humanoid robots can undertake complex tasks like providing home care, performing industrial work, or enhancing public safety. The marathon serves as a proving ground for both hardware and software, helping to push innovation forward.
One of the biggest challenges faced by humanoid robots is achieving true autonomy. Most current robots operate at Level 2 autonomy, which means they require significant human intervention to perform their tasks. The goal is to develop Level 4 autonomy, where robots can make decisions and act independently in most situations. Experts agree that moving from Level 2 to Level 3 autonomy will demand considerable breakthroughs in AI and robotics, and reaching Level 4 will be even more complex.
Humanoid robots must manage tasks that are far more difficult than those for self-driving cars. They need to walk, maintain balance, and react to ever-changing environments, such as stairs, uneven terrain, and unpredictable human movements. This requires sophisticated sensors and real-time processing of visual, auditory, and spatial data. Their “brains” must be capable of complex decision-making on the fly, which remains a significant hurdle.
Artificial intelligence advancements, particularly in large language models like DeepSeek, offer hope for overcoming these challenges. These AI systems can improve how robots think, learn, and interact with their surroundings. By enabling robots to better understand language, learn from feedback, and navigate complex environments more naturally, these models could become the foundation of next-generation humanoid robots.
Investment in robotics technology in China is accelerating rapidly. More than 50 companies in the embodied AI sector raised over 6 billion yuan (around $970 million) in the first quarter of this year alone. Leading Chinese tech firms and car manufacturers, including GAC, SAIC, XPeng, Chery, Xiaomi, Huawei, Horizon Robotics, and Hesai Technology, are heavily involved in humanoid robot development. Globally, major automakers such as Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai have announced their own plans for humanoid robots, recognizing their potential in various industries.
While humanoid robots are not yet ready for everyday home use, the Beijing humanoid robots marathon represents a significant step toward that future. By pushing robots to complete long distances under complex conditions, the event demonstrated that these machines are starting to handle more demanding tasks. With continued investment, smarter AI, and refined designs, the path toward humanoid robots playing active roles in homes, workplaces, and hazardous environments is becoming clearer every day.
