A Humanoid Robot Set a Half-Marathon Record in China
WIRED • • sports
Key Points:
- A humanoid robot developed by Chinese company Honor broke the world half-marathon record by finishing the 13.1-mile race in 50 minutes, 26 seconds, surpassing the human record of 57 minutes, 20 seconds set by Olympic medalist Jacob Kiplimo.
- Over 100 humanoid robots from 76 Chinese institutions participated in the event alongside 12,000 human runners, running on separate courses to ensure safety.
- The winning robot featured advanced design elements inspired by elite runners, including long legs, balance systems, and liquid cooling, and operated autonomously using AI to adapt its pace and terrain in real time.
- Despite some robots experiencing falls and technical issues, the event showcased rapid advancements in robot physical performance, marking a significant milestone in China's efforts to demonstrate leadership in advanced robotics.
- This achievement highlights that machines can outperform humans in specific physical tasks under controlled conditions, raising questions about the future role of humanoid robots in redefining physical limits.
