China showcases next-generation robotics with expanded humanoid marathon

Beijing is preparing to host a half marathon featuring humanoid robots, as developers conduct full-scale night trials in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town). These simulations recreate real race conditions, including route navigation, scheduling coordination, multi-device interaction and emergency response, allowing machines to adapt to complex urban environments ahead of the official start.

According to Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS, more than 70 teams, including four international participants, joined the preparatory phase, testing both autonomous-navigation and remote-controlled systems.

Now in its second edition, the event has expanded significantly, with over 100 teams expected to compete on 19 April – almost five times more than in the inaugural race. Last year, the robot, developed by the National and Local Co-built Embodied AI Robotics Innovation Centre, completed the course in approximately two hours and 40 minutes, setting an early benchmark for the field.

This year’s competition introduces enhanced rules prioritising autonomous performance. Robots must independently process real-time data, make navigation decisions and adapt to dynamic conditions along the route. Autonomous teams will be ranked based on actual completion time, while remote-controlled systems are subject to performance adjustments, encouraging the transition towards fully independent operation. According to experts, such developments reflect a broader shift from controlled laboratory models to adaptable robotic systems capable of functioning in real-world scenarios.

Endurance racing presents a comprehensive test of robotic capabilities, including energy management, dynamic balance, gait control, and rapid response to environmental changes. Organisers have introduced additional award categories recognising achievements in endurance, movement efficiency, design and perception systems.

China’s robotics sector continues to expand, supported by coordinated industrial development and standardisation efforts led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. By 2025, the country had more than 140 manufacturers and over 330 humanoid robot models. Against this backdrop, the upcoming half marathon is expected to serve not only as a competitive event but also as a platform for showcasing advances in embodied artificial intelligence and accelerating its application across a wide range of sectors.