Leading smart device producer's humanoid robots to compete in half marathon in Beijing

China's leading smart device provider HONOR will send its independently developed robots "Lightning" and "Energetic Boy" to participate in the 2026 Humanoid Robot Half Marathon in Beijing.

Co-hosted by the Beijing Municipal People's Government and China Media Group, the half marathon race will be held on April 19.

The robot "Lightning" integrates HONOR's latest achievements in intelligent manufacturing and embodied AI, possessing high-dynamic motion control algorithms, real-time perception and understanding capabilities, and autonomous decision-making abilities, according to its technical team.

Researchers equipped the robot with a self-developed integrated joint module to ensure that it can take big strides and runs fast.

"The prerequisite for a high step frequency is having sufficient power to swing the leg. Therefore, both the torque and rotational speed are indispensable. Our key module here can achieve a peak torque of 400 Newton-meters, which is equivalent to a high-performance car," said Yan Bin, chief architect of HONOR's new business incubation department.

Taking place in Beijing's Yizhuang District, the race will cover a total distance of 21.0975 kilometers with the route integrating urban main roads, international auto racing segments, and park ecological scenes, providing complex environment for robots to test their adaptation and decision-making capabilities.

Over 100 squads have already registered for this year's event.

To guide technological breakthroughs in areas like long endurance, human-like movement and dynamic environment adaptation, the event also innovatively introduces special awards such as the Best Endurance Award, Most Beautiful Gait Award, Best Design Award, and Best Perception Award.

HONOR's research team said the robot "Energetic Boy" is not as fast as "Lightning", but it is ready to compete for the Most Beautiful Gait Award with its flexible wrists and graceful moonwalk.

Xiao Jun, president of HONOR's new business incubation department, said the robot can be applied in various scenarios in the near future.

"In the future, our robot products can be used in scenarios like tour guide, shopping assistance and even housekeeping. The development of the robot industry chain will still require three to five years, or even five to 10 years to come. More importantly, it's about building technological capabilities. If we can achieve seamless connectivity between robots and other products in the future, the users' experience will be elevated to a whole new dimension," Xiao said.

Leading smart device producer's humanoid robots to compete in half marathon in Beijing

Israel aims to fuel division among Lebanese factions by holding direct talks with the Lebanese government, said a senior Hezbollah official in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).

Bilal Lakkis, a member of Hezbollah's Central Committee, said Israel's military plans are failing in southern Lebanon, with no prominent military gains despite weeks of bombardment.

Israel has been bombarding most bridges over the Litani River, leaving only about two intact, in what appears to be an attempt to create an expanded buffer zone or to advance further north. Asked how Hezbollah views this strategy, Lakkis dismissed Israeli objectives as incoherent and militarily unachieved.

"Every day one of Israel's leaders says something different. Some say 'we need protection from the attacks', others say they want an occupation to settle the Israeli military. A third group says they want a buffer zone. A buffer zone needs a huge military victory, which has not been achieved. This proves that there is hesitance among them, there is no clarity. In any case, the region south of the river, some parts of it are just three kilometers between the river and the occupied Palestinian territories, so it doesn't achieve security," he said.

The United States hosted political talks for the first time in decades between the Lebanese government and Israel this week. Asked whether any agreement could be implemented without Hezbollah's consent and what Israel seeks from these negotiations, Lakkis was unequivocal in his rejection.

"The government is violating all laws. Some in Lebanon had hopes that the war on Iran would hit the brain, all the affiliates would perish. Instead they found success in holding negotiations in Pakistan. Every time Netanyahu fails militarily, he attempts to fuel the division within the Lebanese body," he said.

Asked about whether Hezbollah would avoid actions that might fuel such divisions, Lakkis emphasized the group's commitment to internal stability.

"The resistance in Lebanon doesn't want any internal instability. That is a long-standing historic stance. It's a red line for us to tamper with peace and stability. Moreover, the Arab and the Islamic support towards the resistance and Hezbollah specifically is at its best. To resist that is a way more valuable gain than to be dragged against an internal party. We are keen on national unity and Islamic unity," he said.

Hezbollah official says Israel aims to fuel division among Lebanese factions