At an electrifying event in Beijing on the Chinese mainland, the world's first humanoid robot half-marathon kicked off, marking a major milestone in embodied AI. Over a challenging 21-kilometer route, the bipedal robots wowed spectators by executing approximately 250,000 precise joint movements 🤖🏃.
Hugo Award-winning science fiction writer Liu Cixin shared his thoughts before the race, highlighting that the event is more than just a race—it’s a showcase of what modern robotics can achieve. Drawing a fun parallel to traditional Yangge dances at this year’s Spring Festival Gala, Liu noted that these robots demonstrate a balanced and stable way of moving that hints at their potential practical uses.
Liu Cixin also pointed out real-world applications that could revolutionize everyday life. He mentioned that robots capable of assisting the elderly, caring for patients, or handling household chores hold enormous market potential. As these machines evolve, they could significantly impact daily living and work, opening up possibilities that seem straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster 🎬.
However, the celebrated author cautioned about the long-term implications. He warned that once technology advances to the point where robots are indistinguishable from humans in both appearance and intelligence, the societal impact could be profoundly disruptive—an outcome that challenges even the wildest imaginations.
This energetic blend of athletics and advanced robotics not only showcases technological progress but also sparks discussions on how the rise of intelligent machines might reshape society. For a generation fascinated by innovation and the future, the half-marathon is a glimpse into a world where science fiction edges closer to reality.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
