Beijing Half Marathon: Robots compete with Humans!
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
Robots competed with humans at the Yizhuang half marathon in Beijing on 19 April 2025.
Twenty-one humanoid robots, designed by Chinese manufacturers, raced together with thousands of runners on the 21km course.
The winner of the robots was Tiangong Ultra, which crossed the finishing line in two hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds. The winner of the male runners crossed the finishing line in one hour and 2 minutes.
Some robots completed the race, whilst others struggled from the start. One robot fell at the starting line and lay flat for several minutes before getting up and running off.
Although robots have participated in marathons in China in the past, this is the first time that they have raced alongside humans in a half marathon.
One may well ask: whatever next?
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
