China Held Its First “Robot Half-Marathon” Where Robots Raced Against Humans But Humans Won
21 robots created by different Chinese companies ran 21.1 kilometers alongside human runners.
For the first time ever, humans and robots competed together in a half-marathon in China’s capital Beijing.
On Saturday, April 19, 21 robots, created by different Chinese companies, ran 21.1 kilometers alongside human runners.
All kinds of robots competed in the race, with some having human-like faces and others having stubby legs, making them as short as 1.2 meters, according to the Guardian.
Several of them wore sneakers just like humans.
Organizers had humans runners and robots race in different lanes as a precaution.
However, robots had a team of engineers running alongside them to ensure their stability and guide their movements.
Just like how humans are allowed to carry energy gels or bars to replenish energy in a marathon, robots were allowed to swap batteries.
Some robots struggled during the race, with one robot causing its human aid to fall after it crashed.
The robot, Tien Kung Ultra, was the fastest robot, finishing the half-marathon in two hours and 40 minutes and 42 seconds.
The robot’s team said Ultra had its batteries switched three times and won thanks to its long legs that imitated human movements.
Many spectators enjoyed the race.
“It was quite a breathtaking experience. We were able to see some of the most cutting-edge robots in our country,” a spectator told AFP.
Robot companies have said this “a small step for human beings”, but a “huge leap” for humanoid robots.
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