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

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.

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.