The Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon, set for April 13, 2025, has been postponed to April 19 due to forecasts of strong winds. This event is notable as it will be the world’s first half marathon featuring humanoid robots running alongside human participants over a 21.1-kilometre course.
Participating robots are required to demonstrate human-like movements, avoid damaging the course or other competitors, and finish the race within a time limit of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The event aims to highlight advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics, aligning with China’s ambition to lead in these technology sectors.
Experts have expressed concerns that windy conditions could increase the risk of robots tipping over, as they have limited training data to navigate such environments. Additionally, the event will include a robot-hosted opening ceremony, further showcasing China's commitment to innovation in AI and robotics. This postponement underscores the challenges of integrating advanced robotics into dynamic real-world scenarios.