Beijing to host world’s largest humanoid robot half-marathon with focus on autonomous running

Beijing is set to host the world’s largest humanoid robot half-marathon on 19 April 2026, with more than 300 robots competing in a landmark event that underscores rapid advances in artificial intelligence and autonomous mobility, reports Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

Experts highlighted that the race, taking place in the Yizhuang economic and technological development zone, marks a major shift in the global robotics industry as humanoid machines move beyond controlled laboratory environments into complex real-world scenarios. Organisers confirm that this year’s competition will, for the first time, place a strong emphasis on fully autonomous navigation, signalling a new stage in the evolution of intelligent robotics.

More than 100 teams from 13 provincial-level regions have registered, including a significant number of university research groups, reflecting deepening collaboration between academia and industry. Participation has expanded dramatically compared with the inaugural race in 2025, with the number of teams increasing nearly fivefold.

A key innovation in the 2026 edition is the introduction of a dedicated autonomous navigation category, accounting for over a third of all entries. Robots in this group will operate independently, relying on advanced environmental sensing and real-time decision-making systems.

All participating robots must meet strict technical standards, including bipedal movement and the ability to complete the full half-marathon distance in a single run. The competition route will mirror that of a parallel human race, further testing the adaptability and endurance of robotic systems in dynamic conditions.

In addition to the main event, organisers will stage a “Baturu” challenge featuring obstacle-based tasks designed to simulate complex environments, including disaster-response scenarios.

Experts say the competition reflects a broader transition in robotics – from experimental development to scalable, real-world application.