China hosts half-marathon spanning over 21-kilometre for humanoid robots and humans

Humanoid robots ran a half-marathon along with humans for the first time at Yizhuang in Beijing on Saturday. Organizers say the event was the first of its kind in the world where these machines have raced alongside humans over a 21-kilometre (13-mile) course.

About 21 bipedal robots developed by Chinese companies and universities took part in the race. It was hosted by the local government, among others.

To ensure safety, robots were given a separate lane from humans. Each started running with an interval of a minute, accompanied by a human runner.

Robots had to be bipedal without the use of wheels, either autonomously or through remote control.

The competitors were required to cross the finish line within 3.5 hours. Robots were given a 10-minute penalty when their body or batteries were replaced.

Some robots ran smoothly like humans, while some faltered as they advanced. One robot fell at the start of the race.

Spectators said they look forward to seeing future developments. They also expressed hope that robots will help people by working for humans as society ages.

A robot named Tiangong Ultra, developed by a Beijing company, won the 21-kilometer race in a time of 2 hours and 40 minutes.

The event served as a venue to demonstrate robotic technologies in China, whose development is supported by the government.