RAIBO2 robot dog completes full marathon in South Korea

A quadruped robot named RAIBO2 successfully completed a full marathon in Sangju, South Korea, marking a significant advancement in robotic endurance. The robot finished the approximately 42.2-kilometer course in 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 52 seconds, which is slightly faster than the global human average of roughly 4 hours and 32 minutes.

Developed by researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, the achievement addresses a major limitation in current legged robotics, where most models are restricted to ranges of approximately 20 kilometers. RAIBO2 completed the race with more than one-third of its battery life remaining, demonstrating high mechanical stamina.

The research team utilized a holistic approach to reduce energy waste by mapping losses across joints and circuits. Additionally, they employed AI-based reinforcement learning through computer simulations to improve the robot's gait, allowing it to navigate winding and slippery terrain without slipping or overheating.