Chinese Humanoid Robot Smashes Half-Marathon World Record, Signaling AI Dominance Race A humanoid robot built in China has set a new world record for the half-marathon, beating the human record by a significant margin and highlighting China's rapid advancements in robotics and AI, as the global tech race intensifies. A groundbreaking achievement in robotics unfolded in Beijing on Sunday as a Chinese-manufactured humanoid robot shattered the human half-marathon world record. Developed by Honor, a prominent Chinese smartphone company, the robot completed the 21-kilometer (13-mile) race in an astonishing 50 minutes and 26 seconds. This feat significantly eclipses the previous human record of approximately 57 minutes, set by Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo just last month. The performance represents a dramatic leap forward from the inaugural robot race held the previous year, where the leading robotic competitor finished in over 2 hours and 40 minutes. This year's event saw dozens of humanoid robots participating alongside an estimated 12,000 human runners, with a specially designed parallel course implemented to ensure safety and prevent collisions. The robots' capabilities varied, with nearly half navigating the course using fully autonomous systems, while others were guided remotely by operators. Despite the overall success, the competition was not without its challenges, as some robots experienced stumbles at the start or veered off course, encountering barriers. Engineers behind the winning robot revealed that its design was specifically engineered to emulate elite human athletes. Key features include elongated legs, measuring approximately 37 inches, and sophisticated liquid-cooling systems designed to maintain optimal performance throughout the demanding race. The potential implications of this technology extend beyond the athletic arena. Du Xiaodi, an engineer on the Honor team, commented that 'some of these technologies might be transferred to other areas.' He specifically highlighted the structural reliability and liquid-cooling advancements, suggesting their applicability in future industrial settings. Spectators at the event expressed a palpable mix of awe and apprehension regarding the rapid advancements witnessed. Sun Zhigang, who attended with his son, shared his astonishment, stating, 'It’s the first time robots have surpassed humans, and that’s something I never imagined.' Another spectator, Wang Wen, observed that 'the robots' speed far exceeds that of humans,' adding, 'This may signal the arrival of sort of a new era.' This competition serves as a stark illustration of China's escalating ambitions to achieve dominance in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. While the widespread commercial adoption of humanoid robots is still in its nascent stages, experts note that Chinese robotics firms are actively focused on developing the advanced AI software necessary for these machines to operate with the same efficiency as human factory workers. The sentiment among future professionals is clear, with engineering student Chu Tianqi telling Reuters, 'The future will definitely be an AI era. If people don't know how to use AI now… they will definitely become obsolete.' This technological race is emblematic of a broader geopolitical competition, particularly between China and the United States, as Beijing continues to invest heavily in advanced robotics as a cornerstone of its long-term economic strategy. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report