China to Test 300+ Humanoid Robots in Beijing Half-Marathon on April 19

Gate News message, April 18 — Over 300 humanoid robots from more than 70 teams will compete in Beijing’s second robot half-marathon on April 19, navigating a 21-kilometer course featuring paved slopes and parkland. The event serves as a test for advances in durability, battery life, and autonomous movement capabilities.

Nearly 40% of participants will operate without remote control, a significant jump from zero last year when several robots fell near the start. Last year’s winning robot, Tiangong Ultra, completed the course in 2 hours and 40 minutes. According to Counterpoint Research, China accounts for over 80% of the 16,000 humanoid robots installed globally in 2025, yet analysts note the industry remains in its early stages due to challenges in software, dexterity, and cost.

Chinese robotics firms are scaling production: Unitree delivered over 5,500 humanoid robots in 2025, while UBTECH saw revenue from full-size humanoids surge more than 22 times that year. However, industrial adoption lags, with over 70% of Unitree’s 2025 sales going to research and education buyers. Unitree’s humanoid robots achieved gross margins exceeding 60% in 2025, well above Tesla’s vehicle margins of around 18% in the same period.