Are you interested in robotics? Place a few successful bets on 22Bet and read about how, in the near future, people might be betting on sports involving robots.
In Beijing, the world’s first half marathon featuring humanoid robots took place — and this is, without exaggeration, a real breakthrough. Just imagine: humans and humanoid machines, each developed by different companies from around the globe, running side by side on the same course. 21 robots — each with different speeds, gaits, balancing technology, and artificial intelligence — competed alongside human participants over a 21-kilometer distance. And at this point, it’s hard not to wonder: could this become a new kind of sport?
The Sport of the Future: A Spectacle!
What happened in Beijing wasn’t just a tech expo. It was a real marathon — with struggles, falls, overtaking, and drama. Some robots lagged behind, others picked up the pace. One even got “tired” — it literally sat down on the side of the track due to system overheating. But another made it through the entire distance almost like a human: smooth, steady, with excellent technique.
Humans didn’t compete directly with the robots — these were more like parallel races. But the competition itself drew attention. Imagine: fans in the stands, cameras, slow-motion replays — and at the finish line, not a person, but a robot! Complete with a face, facial expressions on a display, and a bib number on its chest.
Could This Become a Popular Sport?
Absolutely. First of all, technology is becoming more and more accessible. What leading companies do today, startups, universities, and even hobbyists could replicate tomorrow. There will be teams, sponsors, engineers — just like in car racing, except instead of cars, there will be robots, and instead of drivers, algorithms. We could see leagues, championships, rankings. It might even be more exciting than a regular marathon, because robots don’t have the same endurance limits. They can be programmed to take risks, to race aggressively, or to apply tactical strategies.
And if humans run alongside them — even better. You can compare, analyze, argue in the comments: who ran the course better — a person or a machine? Who made fewer mistakes? Who distributed their energy more wisely?
What About Betting?
Of course — it’s only a matter of time. When a competition becomes popular, the world of betting usually follows. And here, several interesting directions could emerge. You could bet on a specific robot — like betting on a horse in a race. You could bet on the developer company — since some create more advanced control systems, others better batteries. You could even bet on the overall result: who will finish faster — humans or robots?
Moreover, bets could focus on details: will a particular robot make it to the finish line? Will it fall at a certain kilometer? How much time will it lose on turns? This opens up a whole world of possibilities — for gamblers and for analysts studying the behavior of these “metal runners.”
And What About the Humans?
They won’t be left out — and that’s important. A human marathon isn’t just a sport, it’s a symbol of willpower, spirit, and perseverance. Robots can’t replicate that — at least not yet. But in the future, they might become a reflection of our strength — crafted by the hands of engineers, programmed by developers, powered by the minds of researchers. Competing with them won’t be humiliating — it might be inspiring.
Conclusion
The half marathon in Beijing wasn’t just an event. It was a signal: the future of sports is already here. Humanoids on the track — not a joke, not a gimmick, but the start of a new era, where technology and humans move side by side. Maybe one day we’ll be cheering for Team RoboTokyo against BerlinTech, discussing robot race strategies, and debating — who’s cooler: the human or their creation?
And yes, betting on robots? Why not. If we can cheer for them, why not bet on them — with smarts, excitement, and curiosity.