Robot beats human marathon record, raising questions about AI integration
4 reported
A robot named Lightning beat the human world record at Beijing’s half marathon last month by nearly seven minutes, according to a Guardian podcast. The event is described as the latest in a series of AI-powered milestones prompting discussion about whether robots are about to enter everyday life, similar to chatbots. China is leading the charge, with its government pledging to invest more than £100bn in robotics over the next 20 years. The Guardian’s senior China correspondent, Amy Hawkins, and Nathan Lepora, professor of robotics and AI at Bristol University, discussed how robots are already entering the workforce and what is needed for them to clean homes and weed gardens.
What’s reported
A robot named Lightning beat the human world record at Beijing’s half marathon last month by nearly seven minutes.
The event is described as the latest in a string of AI-powered milestones.
China’s government has pledged to invest more than £100bn in robotics over the next 20 years.
The Guardian’s senior China correspondent, Amy Hawkins, and Nathan Lepora, professor of robotics and AI at Bristol University, contributed to the podcast.
Key figures
Lightning (robot)
Amy Hawkins, senior China correspondent for the Guardian
Nathan Lepora, professor of robotics and AI at Bristol University
Sources: The Guardian
