For the first time in the history of robotics, 21 humanoids participated this weekend in the Yizhuang half marathon, in the suburbs of Beijing, alongside thousands of human runners. This public demonstration, both technological and political, is part of China's national strategy to become the world leader in humanoid robotics by 2027.
A Technological and Strategic Showcase
More than just a sporting event, this 21.1 km race served as a full-scale test for the endurance, locomotion, and energy autonomy capabilities of humanoids developed by the Chinese ecosystem. Beijing, heavily investing in advanced automation, is multiplying incentives for industry players: subsidies, tax advantages, and innovation bonuses.
The goal of the event was clear: to verify if the robots could maintain a minimum pace of 6 km/h over the duration, with an initial time limit of 3h30. However, due to difficulties encountered during the race, organizers extended this limit to 4h10.
It is noteworthy that the robots were not autonomous but were operated by their pilots.
Contrasting Performances
Out of the 21 robots engaged, only 4 crossed the finish line within the allotted time. The most successful, Tiangong Ultra, a 1.75 m tall and 52 kg humanoid developed by the Human Robotics Innovation Center in Beijing, finished in 2h40'42", requiring three battery changes during the course.
This energy constraint – with most current models not exceeding two hours of autonomy – proved to be a major limiting factor. Several robots fell, withdrew, or suffered spectacular breakdowns, like Shennong, which disassembled after hitting a barrier within the first few meters.
A Parallel with the Early Days of Autonomous Cars
The event is reminiscent of the first autonomous vehicle competitions organized by DARPA in the 2000s. At the time, few participants reached the finish line, but these demonstrations marked a turning point in the rise of autonomous driving. The Beijing half marathon could play a similar role for humanoid robotics.
An Industrial and Geopolitical Race
While the United States and Japan focus their efforts on industrial robotics and large generative AI models, China seems to be aiming to combine the two dynamics by betting on humanoids capable of adapting to complex and varied environments.
It is therefore not a symbolic duel between man and machine, but rather a competition between nations and companies to position themselves in a strategic emerging market.
To better understand
What is the significance of humanoids in China's technological strategy?
Humanoids are a strategic advancement for China, aiming to become a global leader in this field. They symbolize the convergence of robotics and AI technologies, capable of adapting to diverse environments, which is crucial for real-world applications.
How does the rise of humanoid robotics in China compare to the early developments of autonomous cars?
The rise of humanoid robotics in China mirrors the early days of autonomous vehicles, particularly the DARPA competitions in the 2000s, where initial demonstrations, although underperforming, sparked significant advancements and a technological revolution.