Humanoid robots gear up for real-world test in half-marathon event

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

Fewer than 40 specimens of habenaria plurifoliata, a rare and endangered perennial herbaceous orchid, have been discovered in a nature reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The new discovery bolsters future population surveys, habitat research and conservation efforts for the species.

Discovered for the first time at Longling County's Xiaoheishan Nature Reserve, the plant grows in humid valley meadow in two locations, with each measuring more than 70 centimeters in height.

A single habenaria plurifoliata plant produces 10 to 25 flowers. The blossoms are green or greenish-white, with the upper outer petals slightly curved upward, resembling a sickle or a tongue.

Its flower buds resemble drill bits, while its fruits are spindle-shaped.

This plant has a narrow distribution, found primarily in Yunnan Province, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Guizhou Province in south and southwest China.

Endangered flower found in China's Yunnan