Humanoid robots tackle steep steps in Mount Tai challenge

Nearly 90 teams gathered in Tai'an in Shandong Province to participate in the CMG World Robot Mount Tai Challenge on Monday, 2 November, according to Euronews. Humanoid, quadruped, and exoskeleton robots tackled an ancient mountain path to test the latest robotics technology from China. Euronews reported that spectators watched the machines make their way up the mountain, with several reaching the finish line. [1]

The event turned the mountain route into a testing ground for robotics on steep slopes, long stairways, and sharp bends, Euronews reported. The course spanned a 3.9-kilometre stretch of path, requiring the machines to navigate 3,100 stone steps and gain 600 metres in elevation. Media outlets including CGTN, WION, and Tawasul News reported that humanoid robots faced varying results on the steep steps, ranging from smooth climbs and carrying items such as eggs and watermelons to stumbles and collapses, while robot dogs climbed with ease. [1][3][4][5]

Mount Tai, also known as Taishan, is located north of the city of Tai'an and is the highest point in Shandong province. Its tallest peak, the Jade Emperor Peak, stands at 1,545 metres tall. [1][6]