What seemed like science fiction is now a reality that evokes both amazement and concern. In Beijing, humanoid robots competed this Sunday in a half marathon alongside thousands of people, achieving times that even surpassed those of the best human athletes, in a showcase of the rapid technological advancement that is already affecting daily life.
According to a report by Deutsche Welle (DW), the autonomous team “Qitian Dasheng” claimed victory with a time of 50 minutes and 26 seconds, significantly surpassing last year's human winner's mark. Even more astonishing was the performance of the robot “Shandian” (lightning), which crossed the finish line in 48 minutes and 19 seconds, although its result was penalized for not being fully autonomous.
To put it in context: the human world record for this distance was recently set by Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo with a time of 57 minutes and 20 seconds.
The race, held in the Yizhuang technology district, brought together over 100 robot teams and approximately 12,000 human runners, featuring a challenging course with curves, inclines, and narrow sections designed to test the endurance and adaptability of these machines under real conditions.
Astonishment and fear among the spectators
Among the audience, the reaction was a mix of fascination and concern.
“I am excited about technological advancements, but I’m also quite concerned. If this progresses too quickly, it could impact employment,” confessed a young viewer quoted by DW, reflecting a growing apprehension.
And it's no small feat. In just a year, robots went from needing over 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the race—like they did in 2025—to about 50 minutes, showcasing an impressive technological leap.
Falls, failures, but unstoppable progress
Not everything went perfectly. Some robots experienced falls or loss of balance during the course, something that had happened in previous editions, when many didn't even manage to finish the test. However, this time several devices maintained their pace over long sections, demonstrating significant advancements in stability and mobility, according to reports collected by the agency SANA.
Beyond the competition, the event served as a large-scale laboratory. A traffic robot was even tested, providing directions to runners, a clear indication that these technologies are not just focused on racing but also on integrating into everyday life.
Chinese authorities are promoting this type of testing as part of their strategy to develop humanoid robotics, with applications ranging from industry to urban services.
Meanwhile, the image of robots running faster than humans raises a question: how far will this race go and who will be left behind?
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