World’s first human-robot race: 12,000 runners to compete with robots this April. Check eligibility, requirement, prize

History is set to made this April as China will be hosting the world’s first human-robot marathon in Beijing’s Daxing district. This half-marathon will feature 12,000 human runners competing alongside humanoid robots, marking a groundbreaking integration of advanced robotics in sports. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers, regardless of whether they are human or robot, as reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Humanoid Robots Ready for the Challenge

Organized by the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as E-Town, the marathon will showcase robots developed by over 20 companies. The primary requirement is that participants must resemble humans and have a mechanical structure capable of bipedal walking or running—robots on wheels are not permitted.

According to the guidelines, the robots must stand between 0.5 and 2 meters tall, with a minimum hip-to-foot extension of 0.45 meters. Both remote-controlled and fully autonomous robots are eligible, and operators can replace their batteries during the race to ensure continuous performance.

Tiangong: A Star Participant

One of the most anticipated entrants is “Tiangong,” a humanoid robot developed by China’s Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center. Tiangong can run at an average speed of 10 kilometers per hour and previously gained attention for its participation in the Yizhuang Half Marathon in Beijing last year. However, this event marks the first time humanoid robots will compete in an entire 21-kilometer race.

China’s foray into humanoid robotics aligns with its broader strategy to address demographic challenges. With an ageing population and a shrinking workforce, the nation is investing heavily in robotics and automation to sustain economic growth. Official data reveals that by the end of 2024, over 310 million people in China were aged 60 and above, constituting 22% of the population.

Robots are being deployed in caregiving roles, from providing emotional companionship to health monitoring and household services. Additionally, China is exploring robotics in industrial applications to counter its dwindling workforce, which has declined for the third consecutive year.

A Growing Robotics Powerhouse

In 2023, China installed 276,288 robots, accounting for 51% of global installations, according to the International Federation of Robotics. The nation’s robotics industry is projected to grow to 400 billion yuan (approximately USD 54.6 billion) by 2030.E-Town, the event organizer, has already deployed humanoid robots in various industries, including manufacturing for electric vehicle giant BYD. The district has also hosted multiple conferences to promote advancements in robotic technology.

Following this marathon, Beijing is set to host another event in August, where humanoid robots will compete in track and field events, football, and other skill-based challenges.