A humanoid robot named Lightning, developed by Chinese company Honor, completed the Beijing E-Town Half Marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, beating the human world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds held by Jacob Kiplimo. The 21-kilometer race featured robots and humans running on separate courses, with more than 100 robot teams participating. Some robots operated autonomously, while others were remotely controlled.
The event tested capabilities such as balance, navigation, and endurance. While Lightning performed consistently, several robots failed, with some falling or breaking during the race. Compared to the previous year, performance improved significantly, as many robots had previously struggled to finish.
Humanoid robots walk using coordinated joint movements driven by motors at the hips, knees, and ankles. Sensors continuously track position, tilt, and ground contact, allowing control systems to adjust each step in real time to maintain balance. This process, often called dynamic walking, relies on shifting the robot’s center of mass forward while stabilizing it with rapid corrections, enabling steady movement over long distances.
Organizers stated the purpose was not speed but advancing robotics in real-world conditions. China has been increasing investment in humanoid robotics, aiming for large-scale production and broader applications in industries such as manufacturing and logistics.
News Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/humanoid-robot-half-marathon-beijing-human-world-record
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/04/19/china/china-robot-half-marathon-intl-hnk
Post By: A. Tuter
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