In a world first, more than 20 humanoid robots took part in a half-marathon in Beijing on Saturday, but despite impressive strides in technology, they were no match for their human counterparts over the 21-kilometer distance.

The race, held in Beijing’s southeastern Yizhuang district, showcased China’s advancements in humanoid robotics as the country seeks to close the gap with Western nations in this rapidly evolving field. Robots from various universities and tech companies lined up alongside over 12,000 human participants, aiming to test their running capabilities on a challenging course.

While the robots’ performances were technologically remarkable, they struggled to keep pace with the speed and endurance of human runners. The first robot to cross the finish line was Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. The machine completed the race in two hours and 40 minutes—far slower than the world record of 56:42 set by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo. The fastest human finisher of the day completed the course in just 1 hour and 2 minutes.

Despite the considerable gap, Tang Jian, the Chief Technology Officer of the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, expressed pride in Tiangong Ultra’s performance. “I don’t want to boast, but I believe no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong’s sporting achievements,” he said, noting that the robot’s advanced algorithm helped it mimic the way humans run a marathon.

While the robots showcased their potential, the race was not without its challenges. Many robots required battery swaps during the race, while others had to be remotely controlled or even tethered to a leash. Additionally, human assistants were needed to support the robots, ensuring they did not fall and assisting with recharging their batteries.

The event served as a reminder that while China has made significant progress in humanoid robotics, the technology still has a long way to go before it can compete with the agility and endurance of human athletes.

The Chinese government has prioritized the development of humanoid robotics, recognizing it as a "new frontier in technological competition." In a policy document released in 2023, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology set a target of 2025 for mass production and the establishment of secure supply chains for core components.

Though the race highlighted the gap between robots and humans in terms of physical performance, it also underscored the growing potential of robots in various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and even sports. With significant investment and research, China aims to continue leading the charge in humanoid robotics.