The Fascinating Robot Marathon
The 2026 Beijing Yizhuang Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, which kicked off at 7:30 a.m. on April 19th, made a big splash in the field of science and technology. Hosted in Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone, this unprecedented event gathered over 300 humanoid robots from 76 organizations and more than 100 teams, competing on a 21.0975-kilometer track that stretched from Tongminghu Park to Haizi Park.
Unlike traditional robot races that focused on simple speed tests, this marathon emphasized comprehensive robot capabilities. Two groups competed separately: the Autonomous Navigation Group, where robots relied on advanced Beidou positioning and self-navigating technology to finish the race without manual control, and the Remote Control Group, where operators directed the robots from a distance. What made the event even more remarkable was the "Batu Challenge" — 17 unexpected obstacles scattered along the route, testing the robots' ability to adapt, balance and make quick decisions.
More than 12,000 human runners joined the "Human-Robot Co-Run" alongside the robots, creating a unique scene where cutting-edge technology and human energy intertwined. Spectators cheered not only for the fastest robots but also for those that overcame mechanical failures to keep going. The champion, a robot named "Lightning" from Shenzhen, crossed the finish line in an impressive 50 minutes and 26 seconds, setting a new record for humanoid robot half marathon racing.
This event was more than just a competition. It showcased the rapid progress of robot technology in recent years. As Dr. Li, a leading expert in robotics, pointed out, "The robot marathon reflects the combination of artificial intelligence and mechanical engineering. It not only inspires young people to explore the world of science but also promotes the popularization of advanced technology."
With the continuous development of technology, it is predicted that future robot marathons will include more challenging tasks and attract global participants. For science lovers, especially middle school students, this event is a wonderful opportunity to witness the power of innovation and ignite their passion for scientific research.
阅读理解
1. Which of the following is TRUE about the two groups in the robot marathon?
A. The Remote Control Group relied on Beidou positioning without manual control.
B. The Autonomous Navigation Group faced 17 unexpected obstacles during the race.
C. Both groups competed on the same 21.0975-kilometer track from Tongminghu Park to Haizi Park.
D. The champion came from the Remote Control Group and set a new record.
2. What does the underlined phrase "made a big splash" in Paragraph 1 most probably mean?
A. Caused little attention
B. Created a great sensation
C. Led to serious arguments
D. Brought economic losses
3. According to Dr. Li's words, what is the significance of the robot marathon?
A. It only tests the speed of humanoid robots.
B. It helps popularize advanced technology and inspires young people's interest in science.
C. It is a competition to find the most powerful robot in the world.
D. It mainly focuses on mechanical engineering without artificial intelligence.
4. Why is the "Batu Challenge" mentioned in the passage?
A. To show the number of obstacles in the marathon.
B. To explain the rules of the Remote Control Group.
C. To highlight the comprehensive capabilities required for the marathon.
D. To compare the differences between the two groups.
5. What can we infer from the passage?
A. All humanoid robots in the race finished without any problems.
B. The robot marathon will become more and more popular around the world in the future.
C. Only middle school students are interested in the robot marathon.
D. The Remote Control Group has better self-navigating technology than the Autonomous Navigation Group.
参考答案
1. C
2. B
3. B
4. C
5. B
词汇积累
1. fascinating /ˈfæsɪneɪtɪŋ/ adj. 极有吸引力的；迷人的
2.unprecedented /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ adj. 前所未有的；空前的
3.comprehensive /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ adj. 综合的；全面的
4. capability /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/ n. 能力；性能
5. autonomous /ɔːˈtɒnəməs/ adj. 自主的；自动的
6. navigate /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ v. 导航；指引方向
7. obstacle /ˈɒbstəkl/ n. 障碍；阻碍
8. adapt /əˈdæpt/ v. 适应；调整
9. remarkable /rɪˈmɑːkəbl/ adj. 显著的；非凡的
10. prediction /prɪˈdɪkʃn/ n. 预测；预言
11. kick off （活动、比赛等）开始；拉开序幕
12. make a big splash 引起巨大轰动；广受关注
13. rely on 依靠；依赖
14. from a distance 从远处；远距离地
15. scatter along 散布在……沿线
16. cut - edge technology 尖端技术
17. overcome failures 克服故障
18. point out 指出
19. reflect the combination of 反映……的结合
20. ignite passion for 点燃对……的热情
21. The 2026 Beijing Yizhuang Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, which kicked off at 7:30 a.m. on April 19th, made a big splash in the field of science and technology.
2026年北京亦庄人形机器人半程马拉松于4月19日上午7:30拉开序幕，在科技领域引起了巨大轰动。
22. Unlike traditional robot races that focused on simple speed tests, this marathon emphasized comprehensive robot capabilities.
与注重简单速度测试的传统机器人比赛不同，本次马拉松强调机器人的综合性能。
23. As Dr. Li, a leading expert in robotics, pointed out, "The robot marathon reflects the combination of artificial intelligence and mechanical engineering."
正如机器人领域顶尖专家李博士指出的：“机器人马拉松体现了人工智能与机械工程的结合。”
24. It not only inspires young people to explore the world of science but also promotes the popularization of advanced technology.
它不仅激励年轻人探索科学世界，也推动了先进技术的普及。
25. With the continuous development of technology, it is predicted that future robot marathons will include more challenging tasks and attract global participants.
随着科技的不断发展，据预测，未来的机器人马拉松将包含更具挑战性的任务，并吸引全球参与者。
