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One of the robots that participated in the half mile marathon in Beijing.

Humanoid robots race past humans in Beijing half-marathon

While most of the robots failed to cross the finish line at a half-marathon in Beijing last year, they have turned things around.

  • Eduardo Baptista and Laurie Chen

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Chinese-made humanoid robots whizzed past ​human runners in Beijing on Sunday.
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Robots race past humans in half-marathon

Chinese-made humanoid robots whizzed past ​human runners in Beijing on Sunday.

First lady Melania Trump arrives alongside humanoid robot, Figure 03.

Robot joins Melania Trump at White House event

The first lady said the robot was the White House’s first American-made humanoid guest and used its appearance to promote AI for teaching in schools.

  • Bo Erickson
A humanoid robot performs a kung fu kick at the Robot Mall in Beijing.

Robot dogs and humanoid bartenders: In Beijing, the future is now

As China hurries to beat the US in a technological arms race, it is throwing billions at developing machines for everything from warfare to making coffee. But is it too much, too soon?

  • Lisa Visentin
Humanoid robots at China’s 2026 Spring Festival Gala.

With swords and nunchucks, humanoid robots take centre stage at China’s Super Bowl

The robots performed sophisticated fight sequences in close proximity to human child performers on China’s most-watched TV show.

  • Laurie Chen
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The signs are bad for the Gallifrey Games

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A robot competes in a half-marathon in Beijing.

Does China have a robot bubble?

Robotic machines deliver room service in hotels and buff the floors in airports. Four-legged robots help deliver packages on university campuses.

  • Meaghan Tobin and Xinyun Wu
UBTech robots.

Just because a robot can walk, doesn’t mean it can work

The tech industry is obsessed with humanoid robots, and people are fascinated by them. But for almost every application they’re pitched for, they make zero sense.

  • Tim Biggs
Putin robot

‘Very beautiful’: A new robot dances for Putin days after embarrassing faceplant

The unusual event was watched closely by Putin’s bodyguards, one of whom stood between the robot and the Russian leader afterwards to make sure it moved away from him and did not get too close.

  • Reuters
One of the first humanoid robots in Russia collapsed on stage as it was presented in Moscow on Tuesday. The anthropomorphic robot, known as AIDOL, fell soon after walking onto the stage and staff rushed to shield it from journalists and guests with black curtains.
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Russian humanoid robot collapses face first during showcase

One of the first humanoid robots in Russia collapsed on stage as it was presented in Moscow on Tuesday. The anthropomorphic robot, known as AIDOL, fell soon after walking onto the stage and staff rushed to shield it from journalists and guests with black curtains.