In Beijing, China, a unique race took place where 21 robots joined humans in a half-marathon for the first time. The event, held in the capital city, was the world’s first to feature both human runners and human-like robots competing over the full 21km course. It happened on a route that included hills, curves, and bumpy ground.
The robots were built by different Chinese companies and were guided by human trainers during the race. While robots have appeared at races before, this was the first time they ran the same full half-marathon as people.
The fastest robot finished in 2 hours and 40 minutes—more than twice the time it took the fastest human runner. Some robots completed the race successfully, but others had a hard time. One robot even fell at the starting line and lay still for several minutes before getting back up.
Even though the robots couldn’t keep up with the people, the event showed how far technology has come. It also gave scientists and engineers new ideas for improving robot movement and endurance in the future.
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