What happened when robots raced humans in world-first half-marathon
A robot runs in the humanoid robot half marathon in Beijing (Photo by PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images)
Twenty-one humanoid robots participated in the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing, marking the first time robots have raced alongside humans in a 21-km event.
The robots, varying in size and design, were accompanied by human trainers who provided support during the race.
While some robots completed the race, others experienced difficulties, including falls and collisions.
This event, while showcasing advancements in robotics, has been viewed by some experts as more of a hardware endurance test than a demonstration of significant AI breakthroughs.
China aims to leverage investments in robotics to stimulate economic growth, although the practical industrial applications of robots that can run marathons are debated.