BEIJING – In a groundbreaking leap for robotics and athleticism, TianGong Ultra — a humanoid robot developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center — made history this weekend by winning the world’s first-ever humanoid robot half marathon on the outskirts of the Chinese capital.
As reported by Xinhua News Agency, 20 bipedal humanoid robots competed in this historic event alongside human runners. The 21-kilometer course tested speed, endurance, and AI-powered adaptability across diverse terrains.
TianGong Ultra completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes, a landmark performance for humanoid machines. The human male winner completed the course in 1 hour and 2 minutes, but the robot’s endurance made it the event’s standout figure.
The robot, known for its resilience and upgraded with improved leg design and cooling systems, briefly collapsed at the 16-kilometer mark but resumed after a quick field repair. Engineers avoided a costly machine swap and ensured the robot returned to its rhythmic pace.
“This performance was in line with our expectations,” said Xiong Youjun, General Manager of the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. “This isn’t just a race—it’s a symbol of how close humanoid robots are to becoming part of our daily lives.”
Other notable participants included N2 from Noetix, which finished second, and a Shanghai-based DroidUp entry that came third. Many robots wore adaptive footwear, and others entertained onlookers with dancing or whimsical costumes — a reminder that robotics innovation still embraces creativity and testing.
Organized in partnership with the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), the event served as a real-world testing ground for Chinese startups. “Humanoid robots consist of thousands of parts, fueling a lengthy industrial chain,” said Liang Liang, a BDA official. “China’s manufacturing strength is a critical driver of our innovation in robotics.”
According to Xinhua, six humanoid robots completed the course. The race course, lined with princess trees and leading into Beijing E-Town, symbolized the country’s ambitions in tech innovation.
A larger Humanoid Robot Games is already planned for August in Beijing, solidifying China’s leadership in this growing frontier.
“Every physical course will end, but our journey toward human-robot collaboration has no finish tape,” said Li Quan, BDA co-organizer.
This article is based on information originally reported by Xinhua News Agency and has been rewritten and edited for clarity and publication by Virginia Times.
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