Machibet LiveRobots race in historic human vs machine marathon with person floored in collision and female bot that can wink at fans | The Sun - Mcb777 Bet

THE first-ever robot and human marathon race saw both species fall over and a female bot that could WINK at fans.

The historic competitive race between man and bot saw 21 humanoid robots race alongside 12,000 runners around the 13-mile course in Beijing, China, on Saturday.

A robot and its engineer run in the humanoid robot half marathon in Beijing on April 19, 2025. Dozens of humanoid robots took to the streets of Beijing, joining thousands of their flesh-and-blood counterparts in a world-first half marathon showcasing China's drive to lead the global race in cutting-edge technology. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP) (Photo by PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images) — The E-Town Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, in Beijing was a historic race between man and bot

A robot loses control at the start of the humanoid robot half marathon in Beijing on April 19, 2025. Dozens of humanoid robots took to the streets of Beijing, joining thousands of their flesh-and-blood counterparts in a world-first half marathon showcasing China's drive to lead the global race in cutting-edge technology. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP) (Photo by PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images) — Some robots lost control at the start of the humanoid robot half marathon

A robot loses control at the start in what is billed as the world's first robot half marathon during the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) — The droid fell over and rested on the ground for several minutes before continuing

An engineer falls and the robot shennong crashes to the barrier during the race of the E-Town Half Marathon & Humanoid Robot Half Marathon in Beijing, China April, 19 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang — While another human operator was thrown to the floor after their bot malfunctioned

Humanoid robot winning a half marathon. — The E-Town Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, in Beijing was a historic race between man and botCredit: Reuters

The robots had to resemble humans and be able to walk or run - wheels were not allowed.

The AI bots were accompanied by human trainers, with some physically supporting the machines during the race.

Some robots completed the race, while others struggled from the beginning.

One droid fell at the starting line and appeared to rest on the ground for a few minutes before eventually getting up and joining the race.

READ MORE SPORT NEWS

GUNNER FIRE

Ramsey lands first manager job as Arsenal hero is named interim boss of Cardiff

SAME SAME

I'm constantly being confused for an elite sportsman - can you spot who it is?

Another dramatically crashed into a railing after running a short distance - throwing its human operator on the floor in the process.

The winning robot was Tiangong Ultra, which crossed the finishing line with a time of two hours and 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, the men's winner had a time of one hour and two minutes.

Tang Jian, chief technology officer for the creator of the robot, the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, said its performance was aided by long legs and an algorithm allowing it to imitate how humans run a marathon.