Robots and humans to race in Beijing half marathon
For the first time, humanoids will also run in an event that will assess the droids' capabilities in real-world and complex situations. China has been working hard on developing its robotics sector to overtake the United States in the technological race and address demographic challenges.
Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The Beijing E-Town half marathon set to start tomorrow at 7:30 local time was postponed to next week due to windy weather. For the first time, humanoids will run along with humans, competing for three prizes worth 5,000, 4,000 and 3,000 yuan (US$ 685, 500 and 410). One runner in four will be a humanoid.
The race will start at Beijing’s South Square, Nanhaizi Park, and will end at Xinchuang Park. Droids and athletes will run together on the same route, but in separate lanes to ensure runners’ safety.
Some concessions were made to increase the chances for robots to complete the race. Humanoids will have more time and are given the possibility of being subbed or have their batteries replaced, despite a 10-minute penalty per swap.
To compete with humans, robots must have a humanoid appearance, and be able to walk or run on two feet. For this reason, robots with wheels, for example, are not allowed. Both remote-controlled and fully autonomous robots are eligible,
The race will be a test for the development of the robotics sector. The marathon allows a complete test of the robots' functionality in real and complex environments, putting sensors, computing power and algorithm efficiency to the test.
Running is a complex movement even for humans because it requires stability, coordination, endurance and subjects the joints, such as ankles and knees, to considerable strain. Such human difficulties are all transferred to machines.
The long distance is a challenge for both human and humanoid runners, but for machines, overheating parts is a major issue.
Such an event would have been unthinkable until a year ago with few robots able to cross the finish line, but thanks to innovation, progress in this area is surprising.
China is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and robotics, with the aim of overtaking the United States in the technological race and addressing upcoming demographic challenges, such as an aging population and declining birth rates.
In an aging society, seniors need more care, including companionship and emotional support, help with daily chores, and health monitoring, all areas in which China aims to use robots.
Similarly, the country is preparing for a shrinking workforce by integrating robots into factories. In fact, China's robotics industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years. In 2023, 51 percent of all installations were made in China. Last year, the sector was worth US$ 7 billion, and is projected to grow to 400 billion yuan ( billion) by 2030.
The upcoming marathon might seem like a dystopian moment or mere high-tech exhibitionism. Yet, it is precisely on such occasions that the effectiveness of new technologies can be measured since human-machine integration is another fundamental aspect of the sector’s development.
For robots to be increasingly useful and efficient, they must perform their tasks with humanlike dexterity and intelligence, managing to coexist harmoniously with people, to meet their needs without being a hindrance.
This is an ambitious but realistic goal, given the speed at which the industry is growing. However, there is still a long way to go.
For Jiao Jichao, vice president and executive dean of UBTech Robotics' research department, “If we compare the humanoid robotics industry to a marathon, China and Western counterparts are all within the first 1,000 metres of the starting line.”
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