Robots Run with Humans in Beijing’s First Mixed Marathon
In a historic display of technological advancement, 21 humanoid robots ran alongside thousands of human athletes in the 2025 Beijing Yizhuang Half-Marathon. The event, held on April 19, marks the first time autonomous humanoid robots have participated in a competitive long-distance race with human runners.
The robot runners, developed by Chinese firms including DroidVP and Noetix Robotics, ranged from under 120 centimeters to nearly 1.8 meters tall. Designed with varying degrees of anthropomorphic features, some robots could smile, blink, or even wear athletic gear, blending performance with personality.
Chinese Robotics Firms Show Off AI Capabilities
Participating robots represented China’s expanding robotics sector, with each machine supported by human trainers for maintenance and guidance. The event emphasized not just the spectacle of robot-human competition, but also the underlying engineering, real-time navigation, and AI algorithms required to sustain robotic locomotion over 21 kilometers.
Notably, spectators, including AI professionals, described the robots’ performance as stable and impressive. One robot sported a red headband reading “Bound to Win,” while others wore custom footwear or accessories that gave them distinct identities.
Tiangong Ultra Finishes First Among Robot Runners
The standout performer, Tiangong Ultra, completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes. Built by the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics—partly owned by Xiaomi’s robotics division and state-backed partners—the robot benefited from a biomimetic running algorithm and long-legged design. Only three battery swaps were required during the race.
A New Frontier for AI, Robotics, and Sports
While robots have appeared in previous marathons in China, this is the first documented case of humanoid robots competing side-by-side with human runners. The successful integration of robotics into a mainstream athletic event showcases China’s ambition to lead in AI development and its real-world applications.
