China will hold a special robot half-marathon in Beijing this weekend. More than 300 robots from over 70 teams will join the 21-kilometre race, which will include slopes and parkland to make it harder. Organisers say about 40% of the robots will try to complete the course without remote control, which is different from last year.

The event will show how robotics technology in China is improving. It will focus on navigation, balance, battery life and how robots make decisions during the race. Some robots will try to move more like humans using their own sensors and training.

China now has the highest number of humanoid robot installations in the world, and companies are expanding quickly. However, most robots are still used for research or simple work instead of working in factories. The race shows both the progress of the industry and the challenges that remain for robots to be used in more businesses.