Honor's robot makes history as first AI participant in malaysian marathon

On August 30, 2026, Honor's robot, Lightning, made its international debut by participating in the Malaysian Marathon, becoming the first robot to compete in the event. The robot, developed by Honor, completed a 10-kilometer course under the lights of the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers, setting a new record for the race. Honor's global chief marketing officer, Guan Haitao, confirmed the achievement, highlighting Lightning's performance as a milestone in the company's robotics development. Lightning, a humanoid robot standing 169cm tall, is designed with a red, futuristic aesthetic and is known for its speed and power. It previously set a world record in the 1500-meter race at the second World Humanoid Robotics Championship, finishing in 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Lightning's participation marks a significant step in the integration of AI into sports events, showcasing the potential of robotics in competitive environments. The robot's success in breaking human records has sparked interest in the broader applications of AI technology across various fields.