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AI boom Artificial intelligence industry in China A humanoid robot developed by Chinese company Honor completes a half marathon in Beijing involving both robots and human runners i
Confirmed
CHINA'S COMPACT HUMANOID ROBOT SHOWS OFF BALANCE AND FLIPS A robot crosses the finish line in the Beijing E-Town Half Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon on April 19, 2026. (Andy Wong/AP) Nearly half of the robots ran using autonomous navigation, while others relied on remote control, organizers said.
The experts said Chinese robotics firms are still working to develop the AI software needed for humanoids to match the efficiency of human factory workers. Xie Lei, 41, who watched the race with his family, said robots could "become part of our daily lives" within several years, potentially used for "things like housework, elderly companionship or basic caregiving" or "dangerous jobs, even firefighting".
"Looking ahead, some of these technologies might be transferred to other areas," said Du Xiaodi, an engineer with the Honor team. Just in terms of autonomous navigation, at least in this specific sport event, they're already starting to surpass us," Xie said.
What's confirmed
- CHINA'S COMPACT HUMANOID ROBOT SHOWS OFF BALANCE AND FLIPS A robot crosses the finish line in the Beijing E-Town Half Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon on April 19, 2026.
- The experts said Chinese robotics firms are still working to develop the AI software needed for humanoids to match the efficiency of human factory workers.
- "Looking ahead, some of these technologies might be transferred to other areas," said Du Xiaodi, an engineer with the Honor team.
What's still developing
- Xie Lei, 41, who watched the race with his family, said robots could "become part of our daily lives" within several years, potentially used for "things like housework, elderly companionship or basic caregiving" or…
- Just in terms of autonomous navigation, at least in this specific sport event, they're already starting to surpass us," Xie said.
- CHINA'S COMPACT HUMANOID ROBOT SHOWS OFF BALANCE AND FLIPS A robot crosses the finish line in the Beijing E-Town Half Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon on April 19, 2026. (Andy Wong/AP) Nearly half of the…
- "Looking ahead, some of these technologies might be transferred to other areas," said Du Xiaodi, an engineer with the Honor team.
- The experts said Chinese robotics firms are still working to develop the AI software needed for humanoids to match the efficiency of human factory workers.