Robots challenged human runners in half marathon

Thousands of runners lined up to take the distance of 21.1 kilometers in southeastern Beijing. 21 of the participants were not of flesh and blood, but humanoids – human -like robots.

Some of them were of the usual human length, 180 centimeters, a few shorter than 120 centimeters. In addition, one of them had almost human (female) appearance and ability to both blink and « smile, » reports Reuters.

The robots’ place in the starting list was hardly a coincidence. As CNN Notes, there is a policy document from China’s Ministry for Industry and IT where humanoid robotics are described as « a new playing field for the technological competition », and where 2025 was stated as the year when humanoids could be mass produced. Having these among the starters in a half marathon could then serve both as marketing and as a draw for investments.

At the same time, a skeptic for Reuters says. Alan Fern, professor of computer science, artificial intelligence and robotics at Oregon State University thinks that Chinese claims are exaggerated that « AI breaks have been required » to get humanoids to start.

– It is more about a show in sustainability for the hardware, says Alan Fern, who claims that the software was presented for the first time more than five years ago.

According to Fern, Chinese companies have focused on showing off robots that can go, run and dance. Properties that he does not think show a lot when it comes to usability or basic intelligence.

Just as the human runners are allowed to fill in nutrition along the way, the humanoids were allowed to change batteries. The first humanoid in goal was Tangong Ultra, which crossed the finish line 2 hours and 40 minutes after starting. The human world record is 56:42.

Nevertheless, it is a proud development manager for the robot who pronounces for Reuters:

– I don’t want to boast, but I don’t think any Western company in robotics can match Tangong’s sporting accomplishments.