Chinese robot breaks human record in half-marathon

China's technological prowess was on full display at the second Beijing Yizhuang Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, where a robot not only competed but dominated, shattering human records. The event, designed to showcase the nation's rapid advancements in robotics, saw a humanoid robot named 'Shanden' cross the finish line in an astonishing 50 minutes and 26 seconds, far outpacing the existing human world record.

“

The running ability is not everything for a humanoid robot, but it is truly surprising that it has grown so fast in just one year.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to the significant progress made in just one year. Last year's winning robot clocked in at a leisurely 2 hours and 40 minutes. The dramatic improvement highlights the accelerated development in autonomous navigation and bipedal locomotion, crucial elements for robots operating in real-world environments. The competition itself was structured to push these boundaries, with a more challenging course featuring varied terrain and a strong emphasis on autonomous control over remote operation.

“

Last year, we proved that they could run; this year, we encouraged them to show that they can run by themselves.

The success of 'Shanden,' developed by Honor, a smartphone manufacturer, underscores China's strategic investment in artificial intelligence and robotics. The event served not only as a competition but as a platform to demonstrate the practical applications of these technologies, moving robots out of laboratories and into dynamic, everyday scenarios. Beyond the race, other robots performed support roles, acting as traffic guides and service providers, painting a picture of a future where humans and robots coexist and collaborate.

“

The core meaning of this competition is to verify technology in extreme environments and to help robots move out of the laboratory into real life.