Robots step out for four-day marathon
The world’s first robot marathon has got under way in western Japan, with five humanoid robots racing on an indoor track.
The event kicked off yesterday after the 12in, battery-charged two-legged figures demonstrated knee bends and hand raises to welcome spectators and ‘limber up’ before setting off around the 100m race track. They will have to cover 26.2 miles, a feat that will take them 423 laps around the circuit over about four days. Japanese robot maker and event organiser Vstone said the Robo Mara Full race at the Asia-Pacific trade centre in Osaka would demonstrate the machines’ durability and manoeuvrability. An early lead was taken by Vstone’s two robots, one of which is wearing a camera to broadcast live footage of the event online. The competitors can stop only for battery replacements and other maintenance before Sunday’s finish.