Beijing — A humanoid robot developed by Honor has reportedly outperformed human athletes at a half-marathon in China’s capital, finishing the race in a time faster than the official world record.
The android, named Lightning, completed the 21-kilometre race on Sunday in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, according to a report by CNN.
The time is more than six minutes quicker than the current human half-marathon world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds, held by Ugandan long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo, as recognised by World Athletics.
Standing at 169 centimetres tall, the bright-red humanoid robot maintained a steady pace throughout the race, using short forearm swings to balance its movement. Observers noted that it showed no visible signs of fatigue and continued running even after crossing the finish line.
Images from the event captured the robot’s consistent stride across the course, highlighting its endurance and mechanical precision.
The performance is being seen as a notable milestone in China’s rapidly advancing robotics sector, particularly as the country intensifies technological competition with the United States, where similar developments in humanoid robotics are underway.
China has prioritised robotics as part of its long-term industrial strategy since 2015, when the government identified it as a key area for economic transformation. A 2023 policy document further described humanoid robotics as a “new frontier in technological competition,” outlining ambitions for mass production and stronger supply chains by 2025.
