A Chinese android just ran a half-marathon faster than any human ever

A Chinese android just ran a half-marathon faster than any human ever

On Sunday, an android developed by Honor, a Chinese smartphone maker, stunned the racing world by completing a half-marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds. This performance shattered the previous human record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds, set by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo, as per World Athletics.

The bright-red humanoid, standing 169 centimeters tall, demonstrated remarkable efficiency with its compact forearms. As it crossed the finish line in Beijing, there was no indication of slowing down, leaving competitors in awe of its capabilities.

China’s advancements in robotics have accelerated since 2015, when the government prioritized the sector as a key component of its industrial modernization strategy. This initiative aimed to transition from being known as the world’s cheap-labor hub to a leader in high-tech innovation. The 2023 policy document highlighted humanoid robotics as a critical area, setting a 2025 goal for mass production and establishing reliable supply chains for essential parts.

This momentum has led to a surge in robot-based competitions across the country. Events such as the Humanoid Robot Games, held in Beijing last year, showcased robots in diverse sports like soccer, boxing, and martial arts. Notably, China’s annual televised New Year spectacle featured robots in kung-fu performances, captivating audiences with their synchronized routines.

In the most recent half-marathon event, over 100 teams participated, nearly five times the number from the inaugural competition. While human runners like Zhao Haijie and Wang Qiaoxia completed the course in over an hour, Lightning outperformed even the previous robot champion by almost two hours. According to the race organizer, its autonomous navigation and explosive power were vital to securing victory.

The half-marathon organizer emphasized on social media that Lightning’s autonomous navigation and rapid acceleration were crucial to its success.