A humanoid robot developed by Unitree Robotics has completed a 1.9-kilometre winding course in 4 minutes and 13 seconds during a qualifying round of the Beijing humanoid robot half marathon, marking a significant milestone in robotics performance.
According to company officials, the result when proportionally compared would surpass the human world record for the 1,500-metre race. The men’s official record, recognised by World Athletics, stands at 3 minutes and 26 seconds, set in 1998.
Unitree’s marketing director Huang Jiawei said the robot’s performance reflects rapid improvements in speed and mobility, noting that its peak sprinting speed has reached up to 10 metres per second in testing conditions.
More than 100 robot teams participated in the qualifying round held in Beijing, which determined the starting positions for the official humanoid half marathon event. The competition ran alongside human athletes on the same course as part of a broader technology showcase.
The Hangzhou-based company, Unitree Robotics, has previously demonstrated its humanoid robots in high-profile events, including performances during China’s Spring Festival Gala, where the machines executed complex movements such as martial arts-inspired routines and backflips.
In the main 2026 Beijing E-Town Half Marathon, humanoid robots competed alongside human runners. A robot developed by a technology firm under Honor Device Co., Ltd. reportedly won the robotic category with a net time of 50 minutes and 26 seconds.
Industry experts say 2026 is emerging as a key turning point for robotics, with systems transitioning from basic functional mobility to higher-performance real-world applications. Analysts also note that China’s robotics sector is advancing rapidly, supported by strong manufacturing capacity and large-scale deployment ecosystems.