Robotic endurance: Mount Tai hosts machine race

Mount Tai in Shandong province has served as an imperial pilgrimage site for centuries, but on Monday it became a testing ground for machine endurance. Dozens of robots attempted a climb of more than 3,000 steps as part of the World Mountain Robot Challenge, according to footage from state broadcaster CCTV.

The event was organized by the state-run China Media Group. Participants from approximately 90 teams navigated a 2.4-mile route with 1,970 feet of elevation gain. Competitors were required to either complete the course at maximum speed or transport fragile goods, including fresh eggs and watermelons, to the summit.

The rugged terrain presented immediate challenges for the mechanical competitors. One humanoid robot wearing a bandana collapsed on the cobbled path, requiring engineers to intervene for repairs. Another unit tumbled down a flight of stairs and stopped beside a rubbish bin. Organizers described the rocky landscape as a natural extreme testing ground for training machines for real-world application.

A canine robot manufactured by Beijing Lingyi Technology, a subsidiary of Unitree, claimed victory in the four-legged speed category. The machine finished the full course in 43 minutes and 41 seconds. For comparison, CCTV noted that most human tourists require at least two hours to complete the same route.

In the humanoid division, a robot from the Beijing-based team Zhishen Lingyue recorded the fastest time on a shorter course. It completed that segment in 27 minutes and 26 seconds. The competition included cash prizes for winners in various categories, such as the fastest units and the best load-carrying four-legged machine.