Robots race up sacred China mountain, strut their stuff while carrying eggs and watermelons
A demanding mountain course
Around 90 teams brought robots and engineers to Mount Tai, one of China's best-known peaks. The course covered 2.4 miles and climbed more than 1,970 feet, passing over rocky and cobbled ground.
Competitors could try to finish as quickly as possible or carry delicate items, including fresh eggs and watermelons, to the summit. CCTV reported that tourists typically need at least two hours to walk the route.
Falls and repairs on route
The uneven terrain proved difficult for some machines. A humanoid robot wearing a bandana collapsed on the cobbled path, and engineers hurried over to fix it. Another robot fell down a staircase and stopped beside a rubbish bin. The incidents highlighted the challenges of navigating a rugged route.
Fastest robot and purpose
The quickest humanoid robot, from Beijing-based team Zhishen Lingyue, finished a shorter version of the race in 27 minutes and 26 seconds. The report did not give a winning time for the full course.
Organizers described Mount Tai's rocky landscape as a "natural extreme testing ground," according to local media. They said the event could help prepare robots for use in real-world settings.
Key points
- Around 90 teams took part in the Mount Tai challenge.
- Robots faced a 2.4-mile course with more than 1,970 feet of ascent.
- Some machines carried eggs and watermelons to the summit.
- Zhishen Lingyue's humanoid robot completed a shorter course in 27 minutes and 26 seconds.