An android has outpaced the entire field at a half-marathon in Beijing, finishing faster than the human world record.
The robot, named Lightning and developed by Chinese smartphone maker, Honor, completed the 21-kilometre race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds on Sunday.
As reported by CNN, that time is more than six minutes faster than the official human half-marathon record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds, held by Ugandan athlete Jacob Kiplimo, according to World Athletics.
The bright-red humanoid, standing 169cm tall and swinging its short forearms for balance, maintained steady pace throughout the race and showed no visible signs of slowing before crossing the finish line.
Images from the event showed Lightning running with consistent stride and then continuing past the finish area after completing the course.
The performance marks a significant milestone for China’s fast-developing robotics sector amid its ongoing technological competition with the United States, which has also been advancing humanoid robot development.
China has expanded its robotics industry in recent years, following a 2015 government plan that identified robotics as a key sector for industrial upgrading.
A 2023 policy document further described humanoid robotics as a “new frontier in technological competition,” setting goals for mass production and stronger supply chains by 2025.
The emphasis has led to increased public demonstrations and competitions involving humanoid robots across the country.
Beijing hosted the world’s first Humanoid Robot Games last year, featuring events such as football, boxing and martial arts.
Robots also appeared in choreographed performances during China’s televised New Year celebrations, showcasing martial arts routines.
More than 100 teams participated in this year’s humanoid half-marathon, nearly five times the number that competed in its debut edition, although many participants reportedly delivered modest performances.
In the human category, Zhao Haijie and Wang Qiaoxia won the men’s and women’s races respectively, both finishing in over an hour.
Lightning also finished ahead of last year’s winning robot by nearly two hours.
Organisers said the robot’s autonomous navigation and burst speed were key to its performance in the race.