Humanoid Robots Prepare for China's Second Half-Marathon

A full-scale rehearsal for China's second humanoid robot half-marathon took place in Beijing from April 11 to 12, 2026, in the E-Town Economic and Technological Development Area. This event is set to officially occur on April 19, 2026, and aims to test the capabilities of humanoid robots in a competitive setting. The rehearsal involved over 70 teams, simulating critical aspects of the race, including route navigation, race timing, equipment coordination, and emergency response.

The IndependentEuronews

The number of participating teams has increased significantly compared to the inaugural event, with over 100 teams now involved, marking a nearly fivefold rise. Approximately 40% of these teams are utilizing fully autonomous navigation systems, which organizers, including Liang Liang from the Chinese Institute of Electronics, describe as a substantial challenge for the robots. The introduction of new awards, such as those for endurance and for simply finishing the race, reflects the evolving nature of the competition.

Euronews

During the rehearsal, many teams encountered technical difficulties. For instance, Yang Kechang from China Agricultural University noted that his team assembled their robot just hours before the trial and aimed primarily to complete the course. Other teams, like Genisom AI, reported issues with overheating motors and rapidly draining batteries, which hindered their robots' performance. Last year's event saw only six out of 21 robots finish the race, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for participants.

EuronewsThe Independent

Organizers have expressed optimism about the upcoming race, emphasizing the importance of both competition and experimentation. Liang Liang remarked on the significant challenges posed by autonomous navigation, indicating that the event serves as a platform for technological advancement in robotics.

Euronews

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the event, some critics question the practicality of the competition. Concerns have been raised about the feasibility of robots completing the course under race conditions, especially given the technical issues faced during the rehearsal. Critics argue that while the event promotes innovation, it may also set unrealistic expectations for robotic capabilities.

Euronews

• “We assembled this robot just at 1PM today and immediately entered it into the competition,” — Yang Kechang, China Agricultural University

Euronews

• “a significant challenge for the robots,” — Liang Liang, Chinese Institute of Electronics

Euronews

As the official race approaches, teams will likely focus on refining their robots' algorithms and addressing technical challenges. The outcomes of the upcoming half-marathon may influence future developments in humanoid robotics and autonomous navigation technologies.

Euronews