China to host world's first half-marathon race between humans and robots

China will host the world's first half-marathon race between humans and robots.

Dozens of humanoid robots are expected to join the 21km (13-mile) race in Beijing in April, according to local media.

Around 12,000 humans will race robots from more than 20 companies in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area - also known as E-Town, in the capital's Daxing district. Prizes will be awarded to the top three runners.

In a statement, E-Town said companies, research institutes, robotics clubs and universities from around the world will be invited to enter their humanoid robots in the race.

They must resemble humans and have a mechanical structure allowing them to walk or run, it said. They cannot be on wheels.

The robots must be between 0.5m and 2m tall and have a maximum extension distance from the hip joint to the sole of their feet of at least 0.45m.

Both remote-controlled and fully autonomous robots will be allowed to participate and operators will be allowed to replace batteries during the race.

It comes after a humanoid robot appeared at the finishing line of a half-marathon in Beijing last November.

The robot cheered on participants and ran across the finish line.