China hosts world's first half-marathon race between humans and robots

Twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of runners at the Yizhuang Half Marathon in Beijing on Saturday, marking the first time these machines have run alongside humans on a 21-kilometer route, writes The Guardian.

China Holds World's First Robot Half-marathon

Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. China on Saturday held the world's first marathon of humanoid robots running together with human runners, showcasing progress in AI technologies amid Beijing's deepening rivalry with the US in robotics. World News | China Holds World's First Robot Half-marathon.

Jiqiren lai le! Jiqiren jiayou! (“The robot is coming! Cheer up, robot!”), shouts and cheers a crowd of children, adults and elderly. They have been waiting for more than an hour now: to see an android complete the 21 kilometers of a half marathon. This Saturday, about 9,000 human runners and 21 humanoid robots have shared a tour — albeit every species along their lane — in which the organizers present as the first test of this kind in the world…

More than 20 robots race alongside humans at half marathon in Beijing

The robots came in all different shapes and sizes. One looked almost human, with feminine features and the ability to wink and smile.

The humanoid robots still had no chance of victory. The robot winner came to the finish after two hours and 40 minutes.

Shafaq News/ China surprised the world with the first marathon race of its kind, where humans competed with robots. Twenty-one robots participated in a half-marathon held on Saturday in Beijing, over a 21-kilometer course. The participating robots belonged to Chinese companies such as "DroidVP" and "Noetix Robotics." Their sizes varied between 120 centimeters and 1.8 meters, with various designs, including a robot with feminine features capable …