A unique humanoid robot half-marathon race will take place in the Beijing Eastern Suburb Economic-Technological Development Zone (Beijing E-Town) on April 13th. This rare global event offers a platform for humanoid robots worldwide to showcase their capabilities.
A Special Event for Humanoid Robots
For the first time, a dedicated race for humanoid robots is being held, expanding opportunities for global participation. Registration opened on March 5th, sparking significant interest from developers and robot teams. Beyond the robots, running enthusiasts can also participate in this race, experiencing the excitement alongside the most advanced robots.
Unique Technical Requirements and Rules
Organizers have set strict technical requirements for participating robots:
- Bipedal Movement: Robots must move entirely on two legs, without the use of wheels or auxiliary limbs.
- Height: Robot height must be between 0.5 and 2 meters.
- Operational Mode: Robots can operate fully autonomously (incorporating AI) or be remotely controlled, but must ensure no interference with other robots.
- Completion Time: Robots must complete the half-marathon (21.0975 km) within 3 hours and 30 minutes; exceeding this time will result in disqualification.
- Battery Replacement: Robots are permitted to replace batteries if their power runs out, but each battery replacement will add 10 minutes to their completion time.
Humanoid robots competing in a unique race in China
These regulations encourage the development of durable battery technology and autonomous operation mechanisms for robots. Evaluation will not only consider completion time but also strict adherence to technical regulations and the safety of other participating robots.
Attractive Prizes and Future Prospects
Prizes for the top three finishers are 5,000, 4,000, and 3,000 RMB, respectively. The event attracts participation from robot development companies and research groups at universities globally, providing a platform to showcase the latest humanoid robot technology.
Beijing E-Town, with its 5 billion RMB investment in the “AI Town” project, promises to become a leading robot technology development hub. China is projected to hold nearly one-third of the global humanoid robot market share within the next five years, driven by the strong growth of companies specializing in this field.
The Importance of the Competition
This competition is not just a sporting event; it’s a significant stepping stone for the advancement of humanoid robot technology. The humanoid robotics industry is predicted to boom in the next decade, with potential applications in various sectors, from industrial manufacturing to customer service and care.
Conclusion: The humanoid robot half-marathon race in China is not only an exciting event but also a reflection of the rapid development of robotics worldwide. With its unique technical requirements and rules, the race promises to drive further innovation in this field.
