Humans outrun robots at Beijing half-marathon
Al JazeeraAPR 27
China Hosts World's First Humanoid Robot Half Marathon
Above: A Humanoid robot runs with support technicians in the Beijing E-Town Humanoid Robot Half Marathon on April 19, 2025. Image copyright: Kevin Frayer/Stringer/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
The half-marathon was a comprehensive technological validation platform for robots, highlighting China's growing capabilities in humanoid robotics and potential for industrial applications. The event's goal was to test the performance and reliability of androids, and its success is a big boost for the entire robotics industry.
Anti-China narrative
The race doesn't prove much regarding useful work capabilities or basic intelligence. Only a couple of machines made it to the finish line after trailing the humans badly, highlighting the current limitations of humanoid robot technology in endurance activities. Having robots enter marathons isn't a reliable indicator of their industrial potential.