12,000 people will compete alongside robots in the world's first human-robot marathon in China.

In April, humanoids will compete in China's first marathon with both human and robot runners.

China is preparing to organize the world's first marathon with both human and robot runners in April, which will be a historic occasion. 12,000 human athletes will compete alongside humanoid robots in an exciting 21-kilometer half-marathon in Beijing's Daxing area. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), rewards will be awarded to the top three finishers, whether they are robots or humans.

Humanoid robots prepared to take on the task
The Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, or E-Town, administrative body is organizing the marathon, which will showcase robots created by more than 20 enterprises. Some requirements must be met by the robots, such as having a humanoid shape and the capacity to walk or run on two legs instead of wheels.

The official standards state that the robots must have a minimum extension distance of 0.45 meters from the hip joint to the foot sole and be between 0.5 and 2 meters tall. Operators will be permitted to change batteries during the race if necessary, and both fully autonomous and remote-controlled robots are permitted to compete.

Tiangong will compete in the historic race.
"Tiangong," a humanoid robot created by China's Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center, is among the most eagerly awaited competitors. With an average speed of 10 km/h, Tiangong made headlines last year when it ran alongside human competitors in Beijing's Yizhuang Half Marathon. But this next event will be the first time humanoid robots will run the full marathon from beginning to end.

Robots as the future of China
The use of humanoid robots at athletic events is a component of China's broader plan to deal with its demographic issues. China has made significant investments in automation and robotics to maintain its economic growth as a result of an aging population and a declining labor force. Humanoid robots are thought to be crucial for gaining independence and strengthening the nation's competitive advantage, especially in light of competition with the US.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, China deployed 276,288 robots in 2023, accounting for 51% of all robot installations worldwide. Additionally, the nation is organizing an event in August when humanoid robots will compete in football, track and field, and other skill-based competitions.