Beijing, China: In a groundbreaking event set for April, China will host its first-ever marathon featuring both human participants and humanoid robots. This half-marathon, spanning 21 kilometers, will be held in Beijing's Daxing district, where 12,000 human runners will share the racecourse with cutting-edge robots. The top three performers, whether human or robot, will be awarded prizes, according to reports from the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Humanoid Robots Ready to Race

The event is being organized by the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as E-Town. Robots from more than 20 companies will participate, adhering to strict design and functionality standards. Only humanoid robots with the capability to walk or run on two legs—rather than utilizing wheels—are eligible to compete.

As per official guidelines, robots must stand between 0.5 and 2 meters tall and have a minimum stride length of 0.45 meters, measured from the hip joint to the foot. Both remote-controlled and autonomous robots can join, and competitors are permitted to replace batteries during the race if necessary.

Spotlight on Tiangong, China's Humanoid Marvel

Among the star contenders is "Tiangong," a humanoid robot created by the Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center in China. Capable of running at an average speed of 10 km/h, Tiangong made headlines last year by running alongside human participants in the Yizhuang Half Marathon in Beijing. However, this upcoming race will mark a first, as humanoid robots are expected to complete the entire marathon distance independently.

Why This Marathon Matters

Introducing humanoid robots into such events reflects China's strategic approach to tackling its demographic challenges. With an aging population and a shrinking labor force, the country has ramped up investments in robotics and automation to maintain economic momentum. Humanoid robots are increasingly viewed as vital for achieving technological self-sufficiency and boosting competitiveness, particularly in light of global rivalries like that with the United States.

In 2023, China accounted for over half of all global robot installations, with 276,288 units deployed, according to the International Federation of Robotics. Building on this momentum, China plans to host another major event in August, where humanoid robots will showcase their abilities in track and field, football, and other skill-based competitions.