A robot competition on China's Mount Tai put machines to the test as they navigated thousands of steps, and some struggled to stay on their feet.
A rubbish bin marked the end of one humanoid robot's tumble down the stairs. Elsewhere on the cobbled route, engineers hurried to repair a bandana-wearing robot that had collapsed.
Here's what to know
Around 90 teams entered dozens of robots in the World Mountain Robot Challenge, according to CBS News. Engineers accompanied the competing machines, and the endurance event was aired by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Reaching the summit with fragile cargo, including watermelons and eggs, was an alternative to competing for the fastest finish. The event included a 2.4-mile course that climbed over 1,970 feet with more than 3,000 steps.
A robot from Beijing Lingyi Technology Co., which is a subsidiary of robotics company Unitree, won the four-legged speed category, finishing in 43 minutes, 41 seconds, CBS News reported.
More background
UNESCO World Heritage status adds to Mount Tai's distinctions. It is also the highest peak in eastern China's Shandong province. For hundreds of years, Chinese emperors made pilgrimages to the mountain, which also features prominently in Chinese mythology, per CBS News.
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The outlet noted that CCTV said tourists generally need two hours or more to finish the route.
The fastest humanoid competitor raced on a shorter course. Beijing-based team Zhishen Lingyue's robot recorded a finishing time of 27 minutes, 26 seconds, according to CBS News.
What's being done?
The prize categories included mobility and cargo transport, with cash awards for speed and the best load-carrying four-legged robot. The state-run China Media Group organized the challenge.
Moving fragile supplies over difficult terrain tests a skill that could help people with challenging transport tasks — one of the real-world uses organizers hope to train robots for.
Mount Tai's rocky landscape served as a "natural extreme testing ground," CBS News reported, citing local media.
Where can I learn more?
Here are some other stories about humanoid robots.
• In Russia, a humanoid robot started kickboxing after a shove, sending store clerks scrambling.
• At Berlin's IFA, Xpeng says its humanoid entered mass production and will walk off the line.
• Frankie LaPenna fought a humanoid robot in an MMA-style bout captured in a viral clip.
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