As the first rays of dawn break over Beijing’s Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA) on a Saturday morning in April 2025, a historic event unfolds. Scores of humanoid robots, gleaming in the early light, gather at the starting line of the 2025 Yizhuang Half-Marathon. This isn’t just any race; it’s the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon, a testament to the rapid advancement of intelligent robot technology and a showcase of how machines are edging closer to mimicking human physical endurance.
A Track Designed for Challenge: Navigating the Real World
The 21.0975-kilometer course, starting at Nanhaizi Park, weaves through BDA’s bustling streets, past iconic landmarks like the Paulownia Flower Avenue and Wenbo Bridge, and alongside major corporate hubs such as JD, BOE, and Coca-Cola. The finish line lies at the National Information Technology Innovation Park, a fitting endpoint symbolizing China’s breakthroughs in domestic operating systems and advanced tech .
What makes this track particularly daunting for the robotic participants is its authenticity. Unlike controlled laboratory environments, these are public roads with real-world challenges: varying slopes, railway crossings, and a total of 14 turns (6 left and 8 right). “We didn’t build a special path for the robots,” notes Liang Liang, Deputy Director of the BDA Management Committee. “They must tackle 爬坡 (uphills), 下坡 (downhills), obstacles, and sharp turns—tests that mirror real-life mobility demands.”
To ensure safety, the robot and human athlete courses are separated by barriers, allowing both to compete simultaneously without interference. This “human-machine co-running” setup highlights the race’s dual purpose: pushing robotic limits while integrating them seamlessly into human spaces .
Pre-race Preparations: Robots Shed Weight, Upgrade Tech
Weeks before the main event, teams from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Suzhou arrived in Yizhuang to fine-tune their machines. A pivotal test run on April 9 provided a sneak peek into the robots’ capabilities and vulnerabilities. Starting at Nanhaizi Park, the robots tackled a 5-kilometer stretch of the official route, testing their ability to start, maintain pace, and navigate basic terrain .
One immediate adjustment was weight reduction. Many robots shed non-essential components—some ditched dexterous hands, others removed leg casings—all to achieve a lighter, more agile form. “In the real world, every gram counts,” an engineer from a Shanghai team explained, noting that lighter robots consume less power and face fewer mechanical stresses .
Technical upgrades were widespread. The Tian Gong robot, a front-runner in the competition, debuted its Ultra version: 1.8 meters tall, with extended leg design to minimize high-frequency vibration from ground contact. Its joints featured air-cooling systems to address battery overheating, a critical issue for long-distance runs .
The “Cyclone Kid” team’s N2 robot, a compact 1.2 meters, opted for stability over speed. Running at 2.5 meters per second (down from its max 3 m/s), N2 prioritized consistent gait to avoid frequent battery changes. “It’s not just about speed; it’s about endurance and reliability,” said the team leader, emphasizing that marathon running demands sustained performance .
Leading the Way: Human Pilots and Autonomous Tech
A unique feature of the race is the role of human pilots. Some robots follow pilots equipped with signal transmitters, while others are remotely controlled by operators trailing behind. Tian Gong’s pilot, Jia Ning, a seasoned marathoner, underscored the importance of consistency: “If I speed up or slow down too much, the robot loses balance.” During the test run, Tian Gong maintained a steady 7:30 minutes per kilometer, impressing observers with its rhythm .
Yet autonomy is the ultimate goal. While some robots rely on human guidance, others showcase self-navigating systems, using sensors and AI to interpret terrain and adjust movements. “This race is a stepping stone to fully autonomous urban robots,” Liang Liang stated, highlighting that the ability to navigate complex environments is crucial for future applications in logistics, search and rescue, or public services .
Race Rules: Balancing Challenge and Flexibility
The competition rules reflect a blend of rigor and practicality. Teams are encouraged to complete the race with a single robot and no battery swaps, mirroring the endurance spirit of traditional marathons. However, real-world variables like strong winds or technical glitches allow for backup robot replacements—akin to a “pit stop” in motorsports .
Supply stations dot the course, offering spare batteries and tools, while support vehicles stand by for emergency repairs. “We want to push technological limits, but we also need to ensure the robots can finish,” explained a race official, emphasizing that the event is as much a test of reliability as it is of speed .
Awards aren’t just for speed. In addition to top three finishers, categories like “Best Endurance,” “Popularity Award,” and “Most Elegant Gait” recognize diverse technological achievements. The public can vote for their favorite robots, fostering engagement and enthusiasm for intelligent robot innovation .
The Bigger Picture: Why Robotic Marathons Matter
Beyond the thrill of the race, the event underscores the interdisciplinary nature of robotics. Success requires breakthroughs in motion efficiency, battery technology, joint mechanics, and materials science—all while ensuring safety and durability. “The marathon is a stress test for integrated technologies,” Liang Liang emphasized. “How a robot performs here reflects its potential in real-world scenarios” .
Industry experts view the race as a milestone in human-robot collaboration. As cities become smarter, the ability of robots to navigate urban landscapes alongside humans becomes increasingly vital. Whether delivering packages, assisting the elderly, or responding to disasters, these machines must move with agility and adaptability—qualities rigorously tested on the marathon course.
A Glimpse into the Future
As the first robot crosses the finish line—wheezing hydraulics and all—it’s clear that this isn’t just a sporting event. It’s a preview of a future where intelligent robots are not confined to factories or labs but are active participants in our daily lives. The Yizhuang half-marathon serves as a powerful metaphor: technology, like a long-distance runner, must balance innovation with endurance, precision with flexibility, and ambition with practicality.
For now, the robots may need pilots and pit stops, but each step they take brings us closer to a world where autonomous machines seamlessly integrate into our urban fabric. As the sun sets on the historic day, the question isn’t whether robots can run marathons—but where their next technological stride will take us.