Robots run half marathon against humans in China for the first time

All robots were accompanied by humans. They had various sizes and styles – from 1.20m to 1.80m – although all were humanoids, that is, with a format that emulates a human being. Some wore sneakers, gloves and even bandanas.

Several large companies participated in the race. According to CNN, the center that built Tiangong Ultra is a public-private initiative, with investments from Giant Xiaomi and UBTECH, Chinese leader in humanoid robots.

Developed by the Beijing Human Robotics Innovation Center, Tiangong Ultra belongs 43% to two state -owned companies. The robotics arm of the Xiaomi technology giant and Ubtech, China’s main humanoid robot company, are also shareholders.

According to technology director Tang Jian, Tiangong Ultra’s performance is due to its long legs and an algorithm that allows us to imitate the way humans run a marathon. “I don’t want to boast, but I don’t think another robotics company in the West has equaled Tiangong’s athletic performance,” said Jian, noting that the robot had to change the battery only three times during the race.

*With information from RFI and AFP.