Humanoid Robots Struggle in Beijing Half Marathon

In a groundbreaking event in Beijing, 21 humanoid robots participated in a half marathon alongside 12,000 human athletes. This marked the first occasion where humans and bipedal robots ran in the same race, albeit on separate tracks. Despite the excitement, only six robots managed to complete the race, highlighting the significant gap between humanoid robots and human runners. The fastest robot, Tiangong Ultra, developed by UBTech and the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, finished in two hours and 40 minutes, just within the slowest qualifying time for human participants. This achievement required three battery changes and overcoming a fall.

The race underscored the current limitations of humanoid robots, particularly in terms of speed and endurance. Alan Fern, a robotics professor at Oregon State University, noted that while the AI technology in humanoids has not advanced significantly since 2021, the hardware robustness has improved. The ability to complete a half marathon, albeit with challenges, demonstrates progress in robotic hardware. However, the event also revealed the need for further development, as most robots fell and overheated, requiring frequent interventions from human operators.

The race attracted significant attention in China, with many human runners stopping to take selfies with the robots. However, it also highlighted the limitations of China's humanoid robot industry. While robots like those from Unitree have gained international attention for their entertaining performances, such as synchronized dances, these capabilities do not translate into practical real-world applications. Fern emphasized the importance of developing robots that can handle diverse tasks without detailed human instructions, a benchmark that remains unmet.

The participating robots varied in size and design, with some sporting kid-sized sneakers and others equipped with knee pads. Despite their creative designs, most struggled to complete the race. For instance, the robot Huanhuan moved at a snail's pace, while Shennong, with its unique design, faced significant challenges. Duct tape became a crucial tool for operators, used to fix various issues, including reattaching robot heads.

The event demonstrated both the potential and the current limitations of humanoid robotics. While the race showcased the robustness of some robotic hardware, it also highlighted the need for further advancements in AI and practical applications. As the industry evolves, there is an expectation for a shift towards developing robots capable of performing useful tasks in real-world scenarios, moving beyond entertainment-focused capabilities.