Robot marathon kicks off in Japan

The world’s first robot marathon is under way in western Japan, with five two-legged participants racing on an indoor track. The 12-inch battery-charged robots are competing around a 100-metre race track. Japanese robot maker and event organiser Vstone...

The world’s first robot marathon is under way in western Japan, with five two-legged participants racing on an indoor track.

The 12-inch battery-charged robots are competing around a 100-metre race track.

Japanese robot maker and event organiser Vstone said the Robo Mara Full race in Osaka will demonstrate the durability and manoeuvrability of the machines.

Vstone robots took an early lead, while two entrants by Osaka University of Engineering teams got off to a shaky start.

The 26-mile race is expected to last until Sunday.

Vstone chief executive officer Nobuo Yamato hopes the event will become international in the future.

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