The world's first humanoid robot half-marathon, set to take place in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area next week, will offer a unique platform for robotics companies to test their creations in real-world conditions.
The robots will run a 21.0975-kilometer course alongside human runners, but in a separate lane divided by barriers or greenbelts for safety. Seven aid stations will be positioned along the route.
"The aid stations mainly support participating teams by providing battery replacements, safety equipment, and auxiliary tools," explained Wang Guolin, deputy head of the robot competition group.
Referees and support personnel will follow the robots throughout the race to address any unexpected issues.
While robots are usually evaluated in controlled settings, this half-marathon presents a unique opportunity for developers to test their capabilities in complex real-world scenarios.
"The robot marathon represents a marathon of technology and industry. The robots running on the track symbolize our pursuit of advancement in technology and industry," said Liang Liang, deputy director of the Management Committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area.
The challenging half-marathon course requires robots to navigate long-distance bipedal walking or running, varied terrain, and potential unforeseen situations.
This demands a high level of performance in areas such as sensor accuracy, chip computing speed, and algorithmic intelligence.
Organizers noted that many of the participating robots were not designed for running and endurance, but this competition provides a platform for comprehensive testing.
"The race can evaluate robots' locomotion capabilities, stability, posture, energy efficiency, and control algorithms. We hope that through this exchange we can jointly promote the development of the embodied robotics industry," Wang said.
The participating robots have completed initial track tests and are now undergoing final preparations for the event.
Humanoid robots gear up for real-world test in half-marathon event
China has pledged additional emergency humanitarian aid to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake, aimed at supporting ongoing relief efforts with a focus on urgent needs such as medical supplies and reconstruction, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian announced on Thursday.
During a press briefing in Beijing, Lin outlined the details of the aid and summarized China's immediate involvement in the search and rescue operations following the March 28 earthquake.
"Since the outbreak of the earthquake, Chinese rescue forces have rallied around and saved lives against time. China was the first country that announced emergency assistance to Myanmar, sent rescue forces to the country, and set up settlement centers in the affected areas. The Chinese rescue team found the first trapped survivor. More than 30 rescue teams of over 600 members rushed to Myanmar for rescue work and we offered several batches of supplies, which demonstrates China's speed, contribution and kindness. This is warmly welcomed and appreciated by the people in Myanmar," said Lin.
Lin also emphasized the significance of the "pauk-phaw" friendship -- a Myanmar term for siblings - in the context of China's ongoing support.
"Myanmar's disaster response work has moved to epidemic prevention and control, as well as recovery and reconstruction. As a friendly neighbor and 'pauk-phaw' brother, China has decided to send another batch of emergency humanitarian supplies, which include the most needed refined oil, prefabricated houses, operating rooms, medicines, and vaccines. China will also dispatch medical and epidemic prevention experts for treatment and disinfection, as well as experts to examine, assess, reinforce, and repair affected buildings and cultural relics. A merciless disaster brings the best out of humanity. China will continue to promote the China-Myanmar 'pauk-phaw' friendship and, upholding the spirit of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future, help the people in Myanmar overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes," Lin added.
The earthquake, which struck Mandalay on March 28, has claimed 3,649 lives, injured 5,018 people, and left 145 missing, according to the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council on Wednesday.
China to provide additional emergency aid to Myanmar following earthquake: spokesman
