Why Most Humanoid Robots Struggled to Complete the Half Marathon in Beijing: Insights on Stumbling and Overheating Challenges

Humanoid robots are capturing attention, but are they really useful? According to expert Fern, skills like dancing aren’t the best measure of their abilities. Instead, we should focus on how they perform real-world tasks without needing detailed human guidance. Fern believes that this year, there will be a shift towards more practical applications for these robots, moving past simple tricks.

Recently, a race showed off various humanoid robots. The smallest competitor was just over 2 feet tall and charmed the crowd with its blue tracksuit. At the other end of the scale was the winner, Tiangong Ultra, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. All the robots had to be bipedal for the event, which led to some interesting designs. Some wore tiny sneakers, while others sported knee pads for protection. To save weight, many had fingers and heads removed, which also reduced strain on their motors.

Tiangong Ultra and a close second, the N2 robot from Noetix Robotics, moved steadily—albeit slowly—through the race. Other competitors faced more challenges. One robot, Huanhuan, which looked quite human-like, barely moved and shook its head repeatedly as if it was about to topple over. Shennong, another robot, had a bizarre design with a face reminiscent of a Gundam character. It started off well but quickly spun out of control, crashing into walls.

Interestingly, duct tape became the ultimate lifeline during the race. Operators creatively used it to fix robot shoes and even reattach heads after some unfortunate mishaps.

Each robot had its own team of human operators, who guided them through the race. Some used control panels while others cleared the path ahead. Many had their robots on leashes, like a pet going for a walk. Fern likens maneuvering these robots to remote controlling a car—except these don’t have wheels.

As we look at the future of humanoid robotics, it’s essential to explore their potential beyond entertainment. A recent survey showed that 70% of people believe humanoid robots could assist in healthcare, from providing companionship to helping with physical tasks (source: ResearchGate). The trend is clear: as technology evolves, so will our expectations and the roles these robots play in our daily lives.

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