On the morning of April 19, the world’s first humanoid robot half marathon officially began in Yizhuang, Beijing, where 12,000 human runners competed alongside over 20 robot teams. This groundbreaking crossover event between technology and sports not only set new records for long-distance performance by robots but also captured public attention with its many dramatic mishaps.

In the end, “Tiangong Ultra,” a 1.8-metre-tall robot from Beijing Yizhuang, took first place with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds. Thanks to its independently developed joint technology, AI-powered visual perception system, and advanced energy management, the robot completed the entire course without a single malfunction—showcasing the cutting edge of humanoid robotics.

Runner-up “Little Rascal” and third-place “Walker No. 2” finished in 3:37:50 and 4:25:56, respectively. Their perseverance also left a strong impression—getting back up after falls, waiting for assistance when batteries ran out, and recalculating routes after straying off course. These “imperfect” moments beautifully reflect the learning curve of technological progress.

The event was more than a race—it was a catalyst for industry growth. Yizhuang, already a hub for the robotics industry, is home to over 300 companies, with the local robotics industry valued at over 10 billion yuan.

With humanoid robots now capable of surpassing the 21-kilometre endurance threshold, their practical applications are expanding from labs into the real world. Logistics, medical rehabilitation, elderly care—scenarios once seen only in sci-fi movies are now becoming reality.