How about ROBOT runners?

[AviatorTom]

Twenty-one robots took part in a half-marathon race in Beijing, China.

The fastest robot finished in a time of 2 hours 40 minutes, well behind the fastest human, who finished in 1 hour, 2 minutes.

Not all of the robots finished the race. Some achieved a steady pace, but some barely made it beyond the starting line; one flailed wildly, crashed into a fence, and broke into pieces.

So...

What do you think?

Do robots have a place running in races? Or was this more of a test and demonstration of the current status of robot technology?

[exitseven]

nobody has even broken the 2 hour mark in a marathon. The record is 2hours , 35 seconds.

That being said, the idea of having a machine run the marathon is ridiculous. Might as well ride a motorcycle.

The whole idea of marathon running is to test man's endurance. It can be done in a wheelchair or by people with artificial legs. It is a contest between man and himself.

[AviatorTom]

@exitseven This was a half-marathon they ran, about 12 miles.

[exitseven]

oh okay. thsr makes more sense.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO

[LiamJHayden]

They are like chess computers. Early chess computers on their highest level were fairly easy for people of a decent local chess club rating to defeat on. Now the best players in the world have a basically zero chance of even achieving a draw.

[purplepoppy]

I suspect many of them were amateur built but the fact one finished in a reasonable time is interesting. According to Google the average time for a human is 4.5 hours so it's more than capable of hunting you down.

All hail our robot overlords.

[Shiprex]

I like the idea of getting extensions to legs like the ones some disabled runners use like spring loaded ones to give a greater bound for running with as a man and "machine" kind of cybernetic running/jumping sport.

[IndianPhotoAcademy]

Robot runners have the potential to revolutionize military operations, delivery, and rescue missions. They provide endurance, speed, and a lower risk to humans. But issues with control, job displacement, and safety still exist. Robot runners have the potential to be useful assets in a variety of industries with the right regulations and ethical development.

[OlderAndWiser]

In what gender classification do they compete, and what if a boy robot decides he wants to be a girl?

[Red_Arrow]

The one that flailed wildly, crashed into a fence, and broke into pieces must have been made by Tesla.

[msc545]

Probably of interest to people to who design and build these things. I am uninterested.

[DrPepper12]

Test. If you want to see the future apocalypse you should follow @BostonDynamics. Their robots will freak you the fuck out.

[Anonymous]

It looks kinda funny, but I like it.

[Sluttt]

I dont trust made in china

[mfused411]

Impressive