How robots are preparing for half marathon in China

Shenzhen-based startup EngineAI has released footage of their humanoid robot, PM01, taking its first outdoor test run. In the video, the robot showcases its ability to stop quickly without losing balance and even perform a backflip.

PM01, inspired by RoboCop and Iron Man, is priced at $13,000. EngineAI explains that the robot's smooth running is made possible by a cushioning device under its sole.

A smaller version of the humanoid robot SE01, which garnered attention in October 2024 for demonstrating a human-like stance, the PM01 impresses with its confident stride and running ability. This test run follows EngineAI's demonstration of the PM01's unique somersaulting ability two weeks ago, a first in the humanoid robotics field.

Shenzhen is actively integrating EngineAI’s robot into everyday life as part of its goal to become an AI-driven city. Videos shared on social media show the PM01 training in public spaces, assisting police and interacting with citizens.

Equipped with a depth camera, an interactive screen on its chest and an aluminum alloy frame, PM01 stands 1.38 m tall, 32 cm shorter than EngineAI's full-sized humanoid robot. Weighing just 40 kg, the robot features a replaceable battery that provides approximately two hours of usage per charge.

EngineAI trains its robot using Nvidia's Isaac Simulator platform, allowing the robot to receive feedback and learn to adapt, becoming more human-like. Once the digital twin is updated with new training information, it is transferred to the physical robot via Sim2Real (Simulation to Reality).

While the PM01's running speed remains undisclosed, it will compete against other humanoid robots in the April 13 half marathon in Daxing District, Beijing. One standout competitor is Tiangong, a robot developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, which has been trained for months and now boasts a speed of 12 km/h, double its top speed from last year.

China's emphasis on speed in humanoid robotics is notable, as the country plans to mass-produce humanoid robots by 2025 and dominate the market by 2027.

Western companies such as Tesla, Figure AI, Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics and 1X Technologies are focusing on dexterity and manipulation for industrial and domestic applications.

This half marathon will be the first-ever race for robots at this distance. The event organizers have set a 3-hour, 30-minute time limit for the 21km race, allowing teams to swap batteries or robots in a relay format. Each change will add a 10-minute penalty to the overall score.

To qualify, robots must be humanoid, walking on two legs without the aid of wheels. The robots canbe manually, semi-automatically or automatically controlled, but must adhere to the track's rules and ensure the safety of others by not damaging the track, other robots or people.