Humanoid robots outran the fastest human competitors while surpassing the human world record during a half-marathon event held in Beijing on April 19. The demonstration of fast-improving robotic speed and autonomy comes as China’s tech industry is rapidly scaling up mass production of humanoid robots to explore possible uses in the real world.

The “robot-only” division of the Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon on Sunday, April 19, saw humanoid robots attempt a full 21.1km course alongside humans. While Chinese smartphone maker Honor’s Lightning robot took first place with record-breaking speed,

A premapped course, a crew of handlers and a world-beating time: here’s what this Beijing half marathon reveals about how far humanoid robots have come—and how far they haven’t

The record was originally held by Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda

A self-navigating robot called Lightning, developed by Chinese electronics company Honor, won the 13.1-mile race. Its results and others mark significant advancements since last year's inaugural event,

Tutor Intelligence in Watertown is a kind of kindergarten for robots.

Scientists say they've made a key breakthrough that would allow robots to figure out complex tasks on their own — but experts say it raises questions about how much risk comes with letting robots be in charge of their own learning.