China set to host inaugural embodied intelligence robot games after robot marathon, according to reports.

      Credit: Unitree

      Following last week's robot race in Beijing, the Embodied Intelligence Robot Games will be held in Wuxi, eastern China, from April 24 to 26. This event marks China’s initial major entry into robotic sports competitions, showcasing progress in embodied intelligence robotics, and will feature competitive segments, themed discussions, and a carnival.

      Why it matters: This event, part of a strategic initiative in robotics and AI, signifies Jiangsu province's ambition to enhance China's standing in global robotics by merging athletics, industry conversations, and community involvement.

      Details: The robot games will evaluate robots on their perception, mobility, endurance, and, importantly, their decision-making and planning abilities. The competition will focus on athletic performance and scenario-based applications, as reported by Chinese media outlet Cailianpress. The athletic events will include sprinting, cross-country running, soccer, basketball, and dance. Scenario-based applications will involve tasks like object transportation, intelligent grasping, indoor rescue, and demonstrations of innovative technologies.

      Unitree Robotics, Xiaomi Humanoid Robot, Leju Robotics, and other domestic robotics companies will participate in themed discussions to address significant technical challenges in humanoid robotics and the obstacles to real-world applications, as mentioned in the same report by Cailianpress.

      "The carnival will provide scenario-based demonstrations, interactive games, and various activities that enable the public to interact closely with robots, experience the thrill of technological innovation, and facilitate the adoption and growth of tech products," stated Li Yang, the event organizer.

      Context: On April 19, Beijing hosted the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon, featuring twenty teams from Chinese universities, companies, and research centers, alongside 12,000 human runners. The Tiangong Robot Ultra, created by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, won the 21-kilometer race in two hours and 40 minutes. In the same race, the male champion from Ethiopia finished in 62 minutes, while the female Ethiopian champion completed it in 71 minutes.

      Jessie Wu is a tech reporter based in Shanghai, covering consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. You can connect with her via e-mail: [email protected]. More by Jessie Wu.