Select Page

China’s robots may not run as fast as humans, but they’re also in a broader race with the United States.

On Saturday, the Chinese capital of Beijing hosted the world’s first half-marathon where two-legged robots ran together with people, in the latest demonstration of China’s tech progress.

A total of 21 Chinese-made humanoid robots joined about 12,000 people for the race. Coming in various sizes and styles, the robots were accompanied by human trainers or controlled remotely as they ran on a separate track.

Hailed as a “historic moment” by the Chinese government, the race came amid an intensifying tech rivalry between the U.S. and China, the world’s two biggest powers in artificial intelligence.

More From NBC News