Shanghai-made robot excels in world's first humanoid half-marathon

Shanghai-based tech startup Cyan took center stage as its independently developed humanoid robot, Orca I, demonstrated exceptional reliability during the Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon and the world's first Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon, which kicked off in Beijing on April 19.
A total of 20 humanoid robots took on the course, which served as a real-world stress test, challenging the robots' motion control, environmental adaptability, and endurance to their limits.
Orca I completed the course without any malfunctions or falls and executed a battery swap in just two minutes — marking the robot's first successful long-distance outdoor run since its public debut.
To prepare, the development team reduced Orca I's weight by over 2 kilograms to cut energy consumption and extend battery life. They equipped the robot with custom non-slip insoles to ensure stable performance.
Orca I is among the few humanoid robots globally capable of walking with a straight knee like a human. It can also perform advanced maneuvers such as climbing, spinning, and autonomous recovery after a fall.
Cyan has been based in the humanoid robot innovation incubator at the Caohejing Hi-Tech Park in Shanghai's Xuhui district since its founding. With support from the incubator, the company has achieved rapid technological breakthroughs.
In recent years, Xuhui district has led the city in the development of high-quality incubators and a robust innovation ecosystem. By 2024, the total output value of Xuhui's AI industry was close to 100 billion yuan, and the district has become home to more than 370 large language model enterprises.
Source: Xuhui district information office