Tiangong Ultra: The First Humanoid Robot to Complete a Half-Marathon
On April 19, 2025, Beijing witnessed a technological breakthrough as the Tiangong Ultra humanoid robot completed a half-marathon in 2 hours 40 minutes. Developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, this 1.8-meter tall AI-powered athlete covered 21.0975 kilometers of mixed terrain, demonstrating unprecedented endurance capabilities in robotic systems.
Breakthrough Technologies Behind the Achievement
The robot's success was enabled by several key innovations:
Hybrid Motion System
Tiangong Ultra's Hunyuan-Turbo system combines hydraulic actuators with AI-controlled electric motors, achieving remarkable energy efficiency. This dual-power design allows smooth transitions between walking and running modes while navigating various terrains.
Self-Repairing Joint Mechanism
After initial testing revealed joint vulnerabilities, engineers developed a triple-redundant connection system that withstood over 150,000 repetitive motions during development and testing phases.
Performance Highlights
? Official completion time: 2h40m42s
? Three battery replacements during race
? 98.7% gait stability score
? 0.5 second obstacle reaction time
? 55kg total weight with 60 degrees of freedom
The Historic Marathon Event
Organized as part of Beijing's Smart City 2030 initiative, the event featured:
Safety-Focused Race Design
Separate running tracks with protective barriers ensured safety for both human participants and robotic competitors. Emergency protocols included magnetic braking systems and foam-lined safety zones.
Technical Support System
Each robot was accompanied by a team of engineers equipped with spare parts and diagnostic tools. The pit stop concept from motorsports was adapted for efficient battery replacements during the race.
Future Applications and Industry Impact
This achievement has significant implications for multiple sectors:
Manufacturing Advancements
The joint technology developed for the marathon is being adapted for industrial applications, showing potential to reduce worker fatigue injuries in factory settings.
Medical Innovations
The robot's movement algorithms are being licensed for prosthetic limb development, with early trials showing improved mobility for amputees.
Key Takeaways
?? First humanoid robot to complete half-marathon
? Efficient battery replacement system
?? Advanced terrain adaptation capabilities
?? Industrial applications reducing fatigue injuries
?? Medical applications improving mobility
