On Saturday, a humanoid robot named Tiangong Ultra completed a half-marathon in 2 hours 40 minutes during the E-town Humanoid Robot Half Marathon in Beijing. However, it trailed the fastest human finisher by a significant margin. The event, which marked the first time a marathon featured both human and humanoid runners, saw 21 bipedal robots compete alongside 10,000 humans.
The robots, developed by Chinese manufacturers like DroidVP and Noetix Robotics, varied greatly in design, ranging from under 120 centimeters to nearly 1.8 meters in height. One model was designed to appear almost human-like, capable of smiling and winking. Each robot received technical support and battery checks at aid stations along the 21-kilometer course, compared to the usual water and snack provisions for human participants.
The race was described by organizers as a technical demonstration, clarifying that while it showcased innovation, none of the robots had a genuine chance of winning against humans.
This event was part of broader efforts by the Chinese government to enhance the nation’s technological capabilities and artificial intelligence sector, aiming to foster new drivers of economic growth. However, some experts question the significance of such demonstrations in measuring the robots’ potential for practical or intelligent applications.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/robots-lose-against-humans-in-half-marathon/a-72285782?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
