Running is a basic human skill, but when a robot runs, it’s a big deal, and when it does it while doing something you’ve probably never done, it’s cause for fascination, if not celebration.
This week we have seen a Unitree G1 robot chasing a group of wild boars through the night streets of Poland. In the short, now-viral clip, G1 turns a corner, appears to spot the animals, then takes off after them as the confused and or terrified boars run away. The chase is short, and as the boars race off into the woods, the Unitree G1 stops and waves a forlorn goodbye.
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Still, we have a strange and growing fascination with humanoid robot racers, ones that can do more than go from room to room, but are ready for a high-speed chase.
Many of the clips I’ve seen in the run-up to this race show the robots going at shocking speeds of up to 4.6 km/h. Granted, humans can run nearly twice that speed in a marathon, but for humanoid robots, this is progress.
It’s wild out there
I’m not sure what all this running, hunting and racing means though.
If you think about how many times you have to run, I’m sure it’s about catching a train and trying to stop your toddler from knocking over that vase. The last time I darted like that, I ran right into a bed frame and broke my toe. I generally don’t try to run, where a brisk walk will suffice.
The majority of home robots from companies like Neo, Figure AI and Tesla Optimus are never pictured running. They all move slowly and cautiously from room to room, performing most of their housekeeping tasks with the same slow, methodical care.
On the other hand, robots out in nature are invariably put into action mode. They are out hunting boars or beating each other (and sometimes people).
At CES 2026, I saw groups of Unitree G1 robots boxing, and earlier this year they shocked the world with choreographed dance and kung fu at China’s Spring Festival gala. But this, like so many other humanoid activities, is either deeply trained or remotely controlled. At CES, the G1 I shook hands with was remote controlled.
Half of the robots at the Humnoid Half-marathon will be autonomous, while the rest are remote-controlled, like the CES Unitree G1. If I were a betting man, I’d put my money on the latter to win. Autonomy will only get you so far when half the robots don’t have the same kind of consciousness and self-determination. G1 and other robots are sure to run into their share of mishaps (and each other).
Still, everyone wants to see a robot run. Maybe they are thinking of something beyond the home or even the factory (where I bet running is frowned upon).
‼️ ZELENSKYY: For the first time in the war, an enemy position was captured entirely by robotic systems and drones on the ground – without any infantry. A robot entered the most dangerous zones instead of a soldier and took the positions. “The future is here, on the battlefield, and… pic.twitter.com/maqECUunEj13 April 2026
Robots are increasingly being asked to go to war. This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proclaimed, “The future is here!” when he announced that a small robot army had captured a position. Now, I don’t know if any of the robots ran through that battlefield, but I’m sure any robot that can run and cross difficult terrain in that situation is useful.
This is of course an extreme case. Meanwhile, we’re left with bizarre videos of robots chasing animals and hurtling around racetracks trying to beat their human competitors.
Our interest is at odds with any deep-seated fear we have of a robot uprising. After all, they will run after us and chase us. Why do we want to see something like that?
I also hope those boars are okay.
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