And the silver metal goes to... World's first robot marathon to take place in Japan

By GRAHAM SMITH FOR MAILONLINE
Updated:


  • Androids can only stop for battery changes and repairs during 4-day race

It sounds like a wind-up of epic proportions.

But the world's first marathon for robots is being held in Japan.

So far, four androids have entered the event, expected to last four days next week.

Robot specialist Vstone, the firm behind the race, said the contest will demonstrate the machines' durability and manoeuvrability.

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On your marks: Three androids wait for the start of a short demonstration race in Osaka on Wednesday. The world's first robot marathon takes place in Japan next week

On your marks: Three androids wait for the start of a short demonstration race in Osaka on Wednesday. The world's first robot marathon takes place in Japan next week

Yesterday, the contestants took part in a 'training session' in Osaka.

Three diminutive two-legged androids, the tallest one only 40cm high, and one unit on wheels, dashed around an indoor track for a practice run in front of the cameras.

'Stretch to prevent injuries and aim to run the whole marathon,' exhorted a robot named Robovie-PC, urging his fellows on.

The machines will be allowed battery changes and repairs if needed, but they will have to get up on their own if they fall over.

Endurance test: During the course of the four-day, 26mile race the machines will be allowed battery changes and repairs if needed, but they will have to get up on their own if they fall over

Endurance test: During the course of the four-day, 26mile race the machines will be allowed battery changes and repairs if needed, but they will have to get up on their own if they fall over

The 'Robo Mara Full' race kicks off on February 24 and is open only to androids with two legs.

Each robot must complete 422 laps around a 100metre indoor racetrack in order to cover the requisite 26miles.

Survivors of the non-stop race are expected to hit the finish line on February 27 - the same day their human counterparts run in the popular Tokyo marathon.

According to Japanese broadcaster TBS, all four robots were built by either Vstone or the Osaka Institute of Technology.

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