Jakarta, ThedailyID — A humanoid robot developed by Honor has reportedly surpassed the human half-marathon record during a race in Beijing, China. The event, held in April 2026, featured more than 100 humanoid robots competing in a 21-kilometer course.
According to reports from AFP and Associated Press, the robot named “Lightning” completed the race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds. This performance translates to an average speed of around 25 km/h.
The time exceeds the current human world record held by Jacob Kiplimo, who finished in 56 minutes and 42 seconds in Lisbon in March 2026. As a result, the achievement has drawn global attention to rapid advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, two other robots from Honor secured second and third place. They recorded times of 50 minutes 56 seconds and 53 minutes 1 second, respectively.
Notably, all three robots completed the race fully autonomously. They relied on built-in navigation systems without any direct human control during the competition.
The event highlights the growing capabilities of humanoid robots in real-world scenarios. Developers continue to improve mobility, endurance, and decision-making through AI-driven systems.
Public reactions have been mixed but largely positive. Han Chenyu, a 25-year-old student who attended the event, described the race as “mind-blowing” in an interview with AFP.
However, she also expressed concern about the future of human jobs. Rapid technological progress, she noted, may reshape industries and employment in the coming years.
Experts say such developments signal a new phase in robotics integration. While innovation opens new opportunities, it also raises questions about ethics, labor, and long-term societal impact.
