Beijing half marathon pits humanoid robotics against people

21 humanoid robotics designed by Chinese manufacturers raced in the half marathon alongside approximately 12,000 human runners. The length of a half marathon is 13 miles, or 21km.

The robots experienced varying levels of success. Some crossed the finish line, while others struggled and one fell at the starting line and laid there. 

The race signifies a few things, least of all the advanced engineering that is enabling humanoid robotics to compete in races. It also signals China’s desire to compete in the sector, which is new and emerging.

One major player in the market is Boston Dynamics, an American-based engineering company which has been keen to get some skin in the game. Several decades ago, it was among a handful of companies investing in humanoid robotics as they were positioned as transformative to industries that would need their advanced motion control, including manufacturing and other high-risk environments for humans.

Last year Boston Dynamics announced the unveiling of its electric Atlas robot, a fully electric vision that marked the retirement of the previous model, the hydraulic Atlas. The key talking points were its expanded range of motion and improved strength. 

And Tesla announced it would implement its humanoid robot, Optimus, as early as 2025 - although tariffs introduced by the US on China may throw a spanner in the works, as its manufacturing relies on rare materials exported by China, which has restricted export of seven rare elements and magnets. 

In more recent news, Shanghai Electric and nine other research companies have signed an agreement to establish what will be China’s first heterogenous humanoid robot training ground, which can currently house over 100 humanoid robots - with plans to expand this capacity to 1,000 by 2027.

The half-marathon race represents not only the serious investment and development behind robots that can now compete with human racers, but also a growing sector with companies keen to maximise its potential.