Beijing is set to host the world's first humanoid robot half-marathon on Sunday, a groundbreaking event aimed not only at showcasing robotic athleticism but also at stress-testing the latest advances in robotics hardware and software.
The event marks a major milestone in the development of embodied AI and humanoid robotics.
Spanning over 21 kilometers, the half-marathon will require participating bipedal robots to execute approximately 250,000 precise joint movements.
Experts highlighted that ensuring stability, endurance, and agility over such a distance remains a significant technical challenge.
"First, it needs to overcome endurance challenges in real-world scenarios, address issues related to route selection and running, and resolve a series of problems such as communication and signal transmission during the process. Behind the effort to tackle these challenges are multiple teams working on foundational technologies, including joint mechanisms, heat dissipation, communications, and intelligent systems," said Su Guobin, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology.
Organizers emphasized that the event is designed to drive forward integration between hardware and software, leading to meaningful upgrades in robotic capabilities.
At present, preparations for the race have served as a catalyst, leading to significant improvements in both the hardware and software capabilities of the robots.
"For example, during the development process for the marathon, we have developed more powerful joints for the robots. These will enhance their load-bearing capacity, torque, and the effectiveness of force generated through their limbs during movement. As the surrounding environment stimulates the robot, such as changes in terrain, it can respond accordingly. It may also use its cameras to assess the environment and adjust its movements in real time. All of this represents a strong application and advancement in the field of embodied intelligence," said Su.
The race, set for April 13 in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in the capital city's southeast, will feature both robotic and human athletes competing on the same route but on separate tracks to ensure safety for all participants.
World's first humanoid robot half-marathon to push limits of humanoid robotics technology
John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), announced on Friday that an independent committee will have nine months to investigate the Wang Fuk Court fire that occurred in late November.
The fire, which erupted on November 26 in Tai Po, has claimed 160 lives as of 16:00 Tuesday, with six people still reported missing, according to authorities.
At a press conference, Lee said the committee will be led by Judge David Lok, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, and will also include Legislative Council Finance Committee Chairman Chan Kin-por and outgoing MTR Corporation Chairman Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen.
"Nine months is a very challenging time indeed, but I want to solve the problem as quickly as possible. So I want to give what I regard as a time frame -- realistic -- provided the independent committee is given sufficient means to maneuver, while ensuring the examination is just. They can streamline procedure and be given more flexibility so that they can finish their work within the nine months. And I also have given them a reserve power. That is, if the independent committee considers, by examining all these complicated issues, there may be one which they think, by exercising the powers that is given to a statutory commissioner of inquiry, will help them complete their work, then I'm very willing to consider a recommendation by the independent commission to seek appointing them as the commission of inquiry," Lee said.
Lee noted that the committee's investigation will focus on the causes and circumstances of the fire, and whether systemic issues exist in large-scale building management and renovation projects.
The committee will also examine whether the current regulations and penalties are sufficient in these two areas and will make relevant recommendations. The investigation reports are expected to be made public.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, David Lok stressed the need for fairness and impartiality in the investigation, saying that he would refrain from commenting on the investigation until the committee completes its work.
"During this period, I hope everyone understands that although this is a committee, I am leading this work in my capacity as a judge. Judges must also adhere to certain professional principles, including being fair and impartial. We need to conduct rational analysis based on facts before making any factual judgments or recommendations; we cannot be emotional. Furthermore, we cannot have a pre-established position. In fact, before every judge hears a case, we should ideally start with a blank slate and cannot have a predetermined stance," said Lok.
"So today, if you ask me for my views on certain matters or how we will conduct the investigation, I’m afraid I won't be able to answer as freely as I could when I was at the Electoral Affairs Commission. But I hope all media friends and residents understand that I do not wish to evade questions; it is simply that some questions at this stage are inappropriate for the committee chair to answer. Therefore, during the investigation, I do not expect to speak with you again until our work is completed," he said.
Investigation into Tai Po fire to conclude within nine months: HKSAR chief executive
