Humanoid robots run half-marathon in Beijing; Tien Kung claims gold in 2 hrs, 40 mins and 42 secs

The bipedal robots of various makes and sizes were supported by teams of human navigators, operators and engineers, in what event organisers say was a first of its kind

AP

Beijing, Updated At : 11:27 AM Apr 20, 2025 IST

The humanoid robot who secured the first position during the half marathon in Beijing, China, on April 19. Photo: REUTERS

Thousands of humanoid robots ran alongside actual human competitors in a half-marathon in the Chinese capital. The bipedal robots of various makes and sizes navigated the 21.1-km (13.1-mile) course supported by teams of human navigators, operators and engineers, in what event organisers say was a first. As a precaution, a divider separated the parallel courses used by the robots and people on Saturday.

People interact with a humanoid robot after it finished the race. Photo: Reuters

While flesh-and-blood participants followed conventional rules, the 20 teams fielding machines in the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon competed under tailored guidelines, which included battery swap pit stops. The Sky Project Ultra robot, also known as Tien Kung Ultra, from the Tien Kung Team, claimed victory among the non-humans, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds. Awards were also given out for best endurance, best gait design and most innovative form.

An engineer holds a humanoid robot after it fell at the starting line. Photo: Reuters

Man, machine, marathon!#Beijing hosted the world’s first half #marathon where humans and humanoid #robots raced side by side!
Tiangong Ultra took gold in 2h40m42s. 🤖🏃 pic.twitter.com/759Q2m5F7x
— Mao Ning 毛宁 (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) April 19, 2025

Humanoid robots run half-marathon in Beijing; Tien Kung claims gold in 2 hrs, 40 mins and 42 secs

AP

Live Matches