Robots Race Against Humans in Half-Marathon in China

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:01]In the race to build robots that are faster and smarter, big strides are being made here in China. At a half marathon pitting more than 100 humanoid robots beside 12,000 real-life runners, the machines were on the move.

[00:00:18]Some whipping by at speeds up to 15 mph, leaving the entire field behind. The winner, called Lightning, finishing the 13 miles faster than any human ever. 50 minutes, 26 seconds, shattering the current world record by nearly 7 minutes.

[00:00:36]It was a technological leap from last year's race, when only six of 21 humanoids finished and the rest fizzled.

[00:00:44]This time nearly half the robots were autonomous, [music] running on their own without people controlling them. While it all seems a bit science fiction, the spectacle here speaks to a bigger race between China [music] and the US to develop machines that think and move like people.

[00:01:03]Intercity Technology robots can run, groove, even get sassy. You are making my circuits feel all warm and fuzzy.

[00:01:12]>> [laughter] >> Robots today have the body of Mike Tyson, but need the brain of Stephen Hawking, says the CEO. Once that's solved, the scope for imagination here is immense. You ready?

[00:01:29]Go.

[00:01:30]Humanoids are expected to someday be capable of doing nearly any job, from critical repair work to caring for the elderly.

[00:01:41]In that sense, it was reassuring the race was not without its setbacks.

[00:01:49]There were face plants and stretchers.

[00:01:51]Some finishes showing more flair than others. [music] Suggesting humans still have skin in the game for now.

[00:02:03]When you compare the race to last year's, the advances in speed and endurance are really eye-opening. If you want your humanoid to run super fast, this company is more focused on robots in daily life, like working with kids at schools and with television correspondents. Right, Luca?

[00:02:20]This is Super Bot 2 in New York. You heard what he said. Back to you guys.

[00:02:26]>> Wow. Luca. Thank you, Morgan. And there's the next host of Popstars. And the next [laughter] I know exactly. 250 years of America. You had a good run.

[00:02:32]Yeah, thanks. Yeah, all right. I love Luca. I love it when they fall down, though. Does that Does that make me bad?

[00:02:37]Does When they fall?

[00:02:38]I like to see them fall. You probably You like America's Funniest Home Videos, too, don't you?

[00:02:43]Let's see the robot's face plant. Always funny.

[00:02:46]Hey, thanks for watching. And don't forget you can catch the Today show every morning on NBC or take today when you're on the go. Just follow the Today podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or wherever you listen.