Metal Meets Muscle: China to Host World’s First Human-Robot Marathon in Beijing this April

China is set to host the world’s first marathon featuring both human and robot runners in Beijing’s Daxing district this April, with 12,000 human athletes and dozens of humanoid robots competing in a 13-miles race.

Robots in the race must resemble humans and be capable of bipedal movement, with height requirements ranging from 0.5 to 2 meters. Remote-controlled and autonomous robots will both be eligible, with operators allowed to replace batteries during the event.

This event is part of China’s push to develop humanoid robots amidst demographic challenges, with robots already making a significant impact on automation. In August, Beijing will also host a robot sporting event.