Twenty-one humanoid robots took part in the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing on Saturday, marking the first occasion where machines competed alongside humans over a 21-km (13-mile) distance.
These robots, manufactured by companies such as DroidVP and Noetix Robotics, varied widely in size; some were less than 120 cm (3.9 ft) tall, while others reached heights of 1.8 m (5.9 ft). One manufacturer even highlighted that its robot closely resembled a human, featuring feminine traits and the ability to smile and wink.
To prepare for the event, several companies spent weeks testing their robots. Officials in Beijing compared the competition to a race car event due to the engineering and navigation challenges involved. “The robots are running seamlessly and quite steadily… I feel as though I am witnessing the advancement of robots and AI,” commented spectator He Sishu, who is involved in the field of artificial intelligence.
Human trainers accompanied the robots, with some needing to physically assist the machines during the race.
