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

A series of cross-Strait exchange activities have been held in north China's Shanxi Province, providing platforms for people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to explore shared history, culture, and business opportunities.

A ceremony worshiping Emperor Yandi, a legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, was held in Gaoping, a county-level city in Shanxi on May 24.

The worship ceremony featured rituals including incense offering, the reading of eulogies, ritual bowing, and traditional Chinese instrument performances. The solemn event brought together people from both sides of the Strait, strengthening their shared sense of cultural belonging and deepening consensus around a common Chinese identity.

"Because (in Taiwan), we've known since childhood that we are descendants of Emperor Yandi and Emperor Huangdi, so attending this ceremony really meant a lot to me," said Hsieh Yu-Chan, a Taiwan resident.

"It truly gives me the feeling of being as the descendants of Yandi and Huangdi. I was deeply moved. If I have the opportunity, I will definitely come again next year," said another Taiwan resident.

Shanxi Province has a solid industrial base and a favorable business environment. The province has rolled out preferential policies for Taiwan residents, attracting more than 100 Taiwan-funded enterprises to invest and settle in.

On May 23, an event highlighting cross-Strait business exchanges was held in the province's Jincheng City, attracting nearly 150 Taiwan businesspeople and youths, enhancing mutual understanding and exploring business opportunities.

"(Shanxi's) cultural tourism, healthcare, and coal chemical industries, in particular, offer excellent opportunities for Taiwan businesses, while Taiwan businesses are also very strong in producing key components for AI computing power. The prospects [for cooperation] are very promising," said Lee Cheng-hung, president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland.

"The mainland's economy is actually very strong. I think the success rate of starting a business and investing here is at least twice as high as in Taiwan. So I encourage young people in Taiwan to come and visit more often," said Chang Han-hsuan, a businessman.

During the event, participants also visited local enterprises, a short video production base, and popular tourist attractions across Shanxi.

Cross-Strait cultural, business exchange activities held in Shanxi