Humanoid robot wins world's first full-length marathon

Robovie-PC crossed the finish line just a second before its closest rival after more than two days of racing.

The 42 km race involved 423 laps of an indoor track at an average speed of 0.77 km/h. Two other androids are yet to complete the course, while one pulled out after just one lap.

Robovie-PC - 40cm tall with a weight of 2.4 kg - took the lead with just a few laps to go when rival Robovie-PC Lite faltered, squandering a comfortable lead.

After the tight finish, both robots waved their arms and bowed to an enthusiastic crowd of clapping spectators, BBC reported.

Operators were allowed to change the robots' batteries and motors during the race, but if the robots fell they had to get up themselves.

The race was organised by local authorities and a robotics firm that hopes the marathon will become an international event.