Beijing’s Humanoid Robot Half Marathon Falls Short of Expectations
Beijing recently hosted what was touted as the world’s first humanoid robot half marathon, but instead of demonstrating technological prowess, the event revealed significant shortcomings in robotic capabilities. The showcase aimed to celebrate advancements in robotics from Chinese firms but ultimately highlighted the challenges that remain in developing practical humanoid technology.
A Race to Remember
On April 20, 2025, 21 robots from cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Suzhou attempted to complete an official half-marathon. However, the event quickly turned from a technological celebration to a spectacle of robotic failures. While many Chinese media outlets reported positively on the robots’ participation, in-depth analyses, such as those from NDTV, revealed a less flattering reality of the race.
During the competition, some robots displayed erratic behaviors, spinning in place instead of proceeding along the course, while others faltered after only 80 meters. A viral video captured the chaos of the race, where robots fell over and lost their heads, as human handlers rushed to reassemble them.
Technical Failures and Human Frustrations
The mishaps didn’t stop there. Several robots froze or altered their course entirely, veering off track despite their handlers’ attempts to correct them. Those robots that managed to remain upright were ridiculed for their slow speeds, lagging far behind the pace of human runners. In one instance, the only robot to cross the finish line required multiple battery changes along the way, highlighting ongoing issues with battery life.
Commentators on social media expressed skepticism about the event’s accomplishments. “Is it truly running if it’s just walking a marathon?” questioned one user on Weibo. Another commentator pointed out the irony of the event, stating, “This event proves that humanoid robots are now used for comedy.”
As a whole, the event underscores a substantial gap between the marketing of sophisticated humanoid robots and their actual performance capabilities. Although investors and technology enthusiasts may be captivated by flashy promotions, the first humanoid robot half marathon showcased just how much work lies ahead in this burgeoning field of technology.
Mi chiamo Giovanni Esposito e sono reporter da oltre dodici anni per il giornale Il Delitto. Nel corso della mia carriera ho avuto l’opportunità di coprire numerosi eventi e inchieste, spaziando dalla politica all’economia, fino al mondo dello sport. La mia passione per il giornalismo nasce dalla voglia di raccontare i fatti con onestà e precisione, portando alla luce storie che meritano di essere ascoltate. Ogni giorno cerco di dare voce a chi non ce l’ha e di offrire ai lettori un’informazione chiara, approfondita e imparziale.