Running with robots: Tech adds spark to Hefei night race
(ECNS) -- Humanoid robots joined human runners on the track at the 2025 SPARK RUN Night Race on Tuesday in Hefei, capital of Anhui Province, drawing crowds and stealing the spotlight at the event.
The humanoid robot Kuavo dashed out from the starting line alongside other runners. Its fluid movements and precise rhythm made it a star attraction on the route.
According to Wang Shuai, deputy general manager of local firm Leju Robot, the 1.66-meter-tall, 55-kilogram Kuavo achieves a top speed of 1.7 meters per second, equivalent to the average walking speed of an adult.
Elsewhere at the event, an intelligent therapy robot developed by fellow local company VSTC, quietly provided post-race relaxation services to runners. Equipped with a robotic arm featuring a precise visual recognition system and replaceable massage attachments with heating functions, it delivered uniform and accurate massages to help athletes recover from fatigue.
From racing alongside humans to providing post-run care, robots are rapidly advancing and entering daily life. By merging tech with sports, the night run added excitement and a futuristic flair, giving participants a real feel for innovation.