Robots surpass human runners in a marathon in Beijing

Beijing was the witness of an unprecedented competition last weekend, where human-like robots competed alongside human runners in a half-marathon. The robot Lightning, developed by the Chinese company Honor, completed the 21-kilometer race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, surpassing all 12,000 human participants and setting a time better than the current world record. Compared to last year, when robots faced difficulties, their performance has significantly improved, with over 100 robots participating and four of them finishing in less than an hour. These events are not just public demonstrations, but real tests for next-generation robotic systems, having potential applications in industries such as logistics, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and elderly care. However, the main challenge remains the development of cognitive intelligence in robots, essential for adaptation and decision-making in unpredictable environments. This competition highlights the transition of AI from the digital realm into the physical world, providing important lessons for business leaders preparing for the future.