The 2025 Beijing E-Town Half Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half Marathon are scheduled for April 19 in Beijing E-Town. For the upcoming marathon, the robot marathoners are now undergoing intensive training, including late-night endurance drills. Below are the insider details of the event.
Can batteries or robots be replaced mid-race?
Every team is advised to complete the race with just one robot and without battery swaps. However, given the fact that robots may need to operate at higher power outputs to boost speed to complete the race, battery swaps are probably needed and therefore allowed. Backup robots may also be deployed in case of adverse conditions, such as strong winds or unexpected disruptions.
Will there be aid stations for robots along the route?
Similar to human marathons with aid stations, this marathon has established aid stations specifically for robots. However, instead of water and snacks, these stations provide batteries and technical tools to address energy and mechanical needs. Additionally, support vehicles will patrol the route to assist with emergency repairs or robot replacements if technical failures occur.
How Are Prizes & Rankings Decided?
In addition to awarding the champion, runner-up, and third place based on the times used, the event also features categories such as the completion award, best endurance award, and popularity award. Spectators can participate in voting to select the most aesthetically pleasing robot, the most charismatic robot, and the robot with the best gait performance, among others.
Where can we watch the robot marathon at that time?
Since the route will be shared by both human and robot marathoners during the event, the organizing committee encourages the public to watch the event online. The race will be live-streamed across multiple media platforms to ensure broad accessibility.
Will the robots run autonomously or be remotely controlled during the marathon?
Currently, some humanoid robots have already achieved autonomous running. In this marathon, robots are permitted to operate autonomously, follow along, or run via remote control by engineers.
(Sources: Beijing Daily, BRTV News)
