Try GOLD - Free
Robots race humans in a half-marathon for first time
The Independent
|April 20, 2025
Twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of runners at the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing yesterday, the first time machines have raced alongside humans over a 21-km 13-mile) course.
The robots from Chinese manufacturers such as DroidVP and Noetix Robotics came in all shapes and sizes, some shorter than 120cm (3.9ft), others as tall as 1.8m (5.9ft). One company boasted that its robot looked almost human, with feminine features and the ability to wink and smile.
Some firms tested their robots for weeks before the race. Beijing officials have described the event as more akin to a race car competition, given the need for engineering and navigation teams.
“The robots are running very well, very stable ... I feel I’m witnessing the evolution of robots and AI,” said spectator He Sishu, who works in artificial intelligence.
This story is from the April 20, 2025 edition of The Independent.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Independent
The Independent
India survive high-scoring thriller despite Bethell ton
India won by 7 runs We wondered just how good this England team could be after they stumbled through this T20 World Cup, winning tight games from difficult positions to reach the semifinals without ever producing the complete performance.
3 mins
March 06, 2026
The Independent
Russia is back in the Games – and this is just the start
Ten Russian and Belarusian athletes will parade under their national flags in this evening’s Paralympic Games opening ceremony in Verona, despite condemnation across Europe
4 mins
March 06, 2026
The Independent
‘The focus will shift to Iran’
Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to world affairs editor Sam Kiley about his fear that the conflict in the Middle East could leave Ukraine without the weapons it requires to defend its people
5 mins
March 06, 2026
The Independent
Gulf crisis reveals shambles of airline passenger rights
Simon Calder wants answers after the aviation shutdown
3 mins
March 06, 2026
The Independent
Failed asylum seekers set to be paid up to £40k to leave
Home Office will detain and deport families with children if they do not accept the financial incentive within seven days
3 mins
March 06, 2026
The Independent
Trump is convincing no one with his Iran justifications
The Trump administration has been criticised for not explaining why the United States has attacked Iran.
4 mins
March 06, 2026
The Independent
Trump fires controversial homeland security chief
Kristi Noem had been under pressure over deaths linked to ICE raids and a costly advertising campaign that featured her
4 mins
March 06, 2026
The Independent
The ‘special relationship’ is a sham – I've seen it first hand
If I were ever back in government, as I was recently for just over a year as a Foreign Office adviser to David Lammy, I would ban the term “special relationship”.
3 mins
March 06, 2026
The Independent
LESSONS IN LUST
Wrestling with MeToo themes, college-set drama 'Vladimir' is brutally muted by the Netflix aesthetic
3 mins
March 06, 2026
The Independent
If Trump targets Cuba after Iran, it will be fatal for Maga
Military action against the Caribbean nation would destroy the president's anti-migrant voter base
3 mins
March 06, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size