In a striking demonstration of technological innovation, more than 20 bipedal robots joined 12,000 human participants in a half marathon held Saturday in the Yizhuang district of the Chinese capital.
The 21-kilometre race marked the first time robots competed alongside humans in such an event, testing their endurance and adaptability on light inclines and winding paths. Developed by universities and private companies, the robots were allowed battery swaps during the run to maintain performance.
If a robot was unable to continue, it could be replaced, though each substitution incurred a 10-minute penalty.
