Man vs Machine in Beijing Half Marathon

By Billy Jiang

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to run side by side with a humanoid robot, Beijing's E-Town Half Marathon is about to make that sci-fi fantasy a reality. 

On April 13, Beijing will not only host its annual half marathon — it will also welcome the world's first Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, where robots and humans will hit the pavement together.

Yes, you read that right!

Before you start imagining R2-D2 zooming past you on wheels, there are rules. 

All competing robots must have:

• A humanoid appearance (think two arms, two legs, and not a robotic vacuum with ambitions)
• Bipedal walking or running capabilities (no sneaky wheels allowed)

• Control options: remote operation to full AI autonomy

Essentially, these robots are 'built to run like humans,' minus the sweat and existential dread halfway through the race.

The robots will start at the same time as the human runners, all launched by a robot-hosted starting ceremony (because, why not?).

However, the robots will have their own dedicated lanes, separated from human runners by barriers or green belts, to avoid any awkward collisions or embarrassing moments when a robot overtakes a seasoned runner.

Batteries Matter!

Even the funny pink Duracell bunny needs a powerful battery to win the race. Image via AnimationXpress

Because even the most advanced humanoid robots aren't ready for a 21km sprint straight out of the box, the organizers are offering some robot-friendly concessions:

• 3 hours and 30 minutes to finish the race
• Battery swaps allowed mid-race

• Full robot replacements permitted, but with a 10-minute time penalty for each swap

That's right — even if your robot dramatically collapses at kilometer 12, you can tag in a fresh one, like a high-tech relay team.

To make sure the event is more than just robots awkwardly faceplanting onto pavement, the marathon will feature a robot-themed expo, post-race performance showcase, and interactive experiences where spectators can get up close and personal with the competing bots.

What Does It Take to Build a Marathon-Ready Robot?

Running a marathon is hard enough for humans — so how do you make a robot ready for 21km of mixed terrain?

To even qualify for the race, these machines need to be equipped with specialized hardware and cutting-edge software designed specifically for long-distance endurance.

Much of what we know about the technology behind these robotic runners actually came from last year's 2024 Beijing Half Marathon, where a humanoid robot named Tien Kung (天工) made headlines.

Not only did Tien Kung greet runners at the finish line, but it also ran alongside participants, offering the public a rare glimpse into what separates a walking robot from a marathon-ready one.

Humanoid robot Tien Kung ran with athletes at the 2024 Beijing Half Marathon. Image via 北京发布

At the core of every marathon-ready humanoid robot is an integrated joint system, designed not just for walking, but for the complex, repetitive motion of running over an extended period.

These joints need to deliver high power density, allowing for strong and efficient movement, all while packing advanced cooling systems to prevent overheating.

Their feet also get special treatment.

Forget clunky metal stubs — these robots sport flexible, bionic foot structures that help them handle everything from smooth pavement to unexpected bumps, curbs, and slopes.

And because no current battery can last an entire half marathon at full sprint, fast-swap battery systems are built in, allowing race crews to perform quick pit stops to keep their mechanical runners going.

But hardware alone won't cut it.

These robots need internal systems that rely on high-reliability running control algorithms, constantly adjusting balance and stride to ensure they don't tip over at the first sharp turn.

Precision positioning technology helps them understand exactly where they are on the course.

On top of that, they're equipped with dynamic obstacle-avoidance systems, allowing them to gracefully navigate around stray water bottles, slower competitors, or any unexpected surprises the race might throw at them.

In short, building a robot marathoner isn't just about making it run — it's about making sure it can survive the whole journey without collapsing into a pile of expensive parts.

And if you're worried a robot might show you up on race day, don't be too hard on yourself.

They're still prone to overheating, tripping over curbs, and occasionally forgetting which way they're supposed to go — just like us humans.

Got What it Takes to Beat the Bots?

If you'd like to join the 2025 Beijing E-Town Half Marathon and leave these robots in your dust, scan the QR code below to download the official marathon registration app...

马拉马拉 App - iOS

Or sign up via WeChat Mini Program...

Official marathon registration WeChat Mini Program

For more wild tech stories from China and beyond, follow our official WeChat account, ThatsShanghai!

---

[Cover image by That's]

▼For more news, click 'Read more' (阅读原文) below.