BEIJING – This Saturday at 7:30 a.m., the world’s inaugural half-marathon for humanoid intelligent robots will commence in Beijing’s Yizhuang area. Since April 9, nearly 20 teams from multiple Chinese cities have arrived, preparing diverse models of intelligent robots to tackle the 21.0975-kilometer course. This groundbreaking event will test endurance, showcase technological innovations, and push the boundaries of intelligent robot capabilities on an unprecedented scale.
- The Course: Shared Route with Human Runners, but Separate Lanes
The Yizhuang half-marathon route, familiar to human athletes, has been specially adapted for intelligent robots. The scenic course begins at Nanhaizi Park—home to elk and rare bird species—winds through the Paulownia Flower Avenue and Wenbo Bridge, passes technology hubs like JD.com and BOE, and concludes at the National Information Innovation Park. Physical barriers will separate lanes for human runners and intelligent robots throughout the route.
“This event resembles auto racing, where each intelligent robot is supported by a team of engineers, operators, and coordinators running alongside,” explained Liang Liang, Deputy Director of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area Management Committee. “The track will display various models and technical approaches of intelligent robots.”
- The Challenge: Pushing the Limits of Intelligent Robot Technology
Participating teams from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Jiangsu face extraordinary technical hurdles. The marathon distance tests core aspects of intelligent robot design: battery endurance during prolonged operation, joint heat resistance, communication stability, and adaptability to real-world conditions.
“Unlike laboratory environments, this challenges intelligent robots with unpredictable terrain, weather, signal interference, and human interactions,” Liang noted. “Durability and reliability are fundamental for intelligent robots, and this marathon serves as a critical validation platform for these attributes.”
The event highlights diverse applications for intelligent robots beyond racing. “While running performance varies, it doesn’t limit future industrial applications,” Liang emphasized. “This demonstrates how intelligent robots can evolve across multiple domains.”
- Star Competitors: TianGong Ultra and Compact N2
Notable Beijing-developed intelligent robots dominate the participant list. The 1.8-meter “TianGong Ultra” has achieved stable running speeds of 10 km/h through intensive simulation training. “We pushed joint torque and speed limits while enhancing environmental awareness for better stability on slopes and uneven surfaces,” said Guo Yijie, the team’s technical lead. Weight reduction strategies include removing dexterous hands and implementing wind-cooled joints to manage battery heat.
Contrasting this approach, Songyan Power’s 1.2-meter “N2” robot leverages its compact design. “Smaller size reduces wind resistance impacts,” explained algorithm engineer Qin Bangyu. Though capable of 3 m/s sprints, it will maintain 2 m/s for endurance. The team equipped their intelligent robot with shoes to minimize foot wear and plans mid-race screw adjustments at supply stations.
- Race Logistics: Batteries, Backup Bots, and Specialized Support
Organizers have established protocols mirroring human marathons while addressing unique needs of intelligent robots:
- Battery & Robot Swaps: Though encouraged to complete the race without changes, teams may replace batteries or swap robots due to mechanical failures or extreme conditions.
- Supply Stations: Dedicated stations will provide batteries and tools instead of water. Technical support vehicles will follow the course for emergency repairs.
- Awards: Categories include overall champions, endurance awards, and viewer-voted prizes for aesthetics and movement quality.
- Viewing: Public viewing will primarily occur via live streams across multiple platforms due to safety considerations.
- Operation Modes: Intelligent robots may run autonomously, follow human guides, or use remote operator control.
- Technical Innovations: Solving Endurance Challenges
Teams have engineered specialized solutions for their intelligent robots:
Team Intelligent Robot Key Innovations TianGong Ultra (1.8m) Wind-cooled joints, optimized leg shock absorption, reduced weight Songyan Power N2 (1.2m) High-step frequency algorithms, protective footwear, rapid repair protocols These adaptations highlight how the marathon accelerates development cycles for intelligent robots. “Real-world stress testing reveals weaknesses invisible in controlled environments,” commented one engineer. “Every kilometer teaches us how to build more resilient intelligent robots.”
- Broader Implications: Accelerating the Future of Intelligent Robots
Beyond competition, the event signals significant advancements for intelligent robots in practical applications. Successfully navigating 21 kilometers requires unprecedented integration of mobility, energy management, and environmental interaction systems. “This marathon proves intelligent robots can operate reliably in complex public spaces,” Liang stated. “The technologies validated here will accelerate deployment in logistics, emergency response, and healthcare.”
Industry analysts note the participation of both established firms and startups demonstrates rapid maturation of intelligent robot ecosystems. With multiple technical approaches coexisting, the race becomes a living laboratory for the next generation of intelligent robots.
As final preparations conclude, teams focus on last-minute calibrations for their intelligent robots. The starting line on Saturday will mark not just a race, but a milestone in the evolution of intelligent robots capable of sustained real-world operation.