Robot Smashes Human Half-Marathon Record

A humanoid robot named "Lightning," developed by the Chinese firm Honor, completed the Beijing E-Town half-marathon in an astonishing 50 minutes and 26 seconds.

This performance shattered the current human world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds.

While a remotely controlled robot finished slightly faster, Lightning secured the championship for its impressive autonomous navigation.

Standing 169 cm tall, the robot utilizes a liquid-cooling system, similar to that found in modern smartphones, to maintain efficiency.

The event showcased the rapid evolution of "embodied AI," as at least four robots finished the 21-kilometer course in under an hour—a massive leap from the previous year's event.

Although some robots struggled with stumbles and mechanical failures, the race highlighted major advancements in battery life and structural reliability.

China has prioritized humanoid robot development, aiming to transition these machines from laboratories into real-world services like healthcare and manufacturing.