Overview: This article examines the outcomes and significance of China's inaugural "Global Half-Marathon for Humanoid Robots," revealing current trends and future development directions in robotics technology. Through analysis of unexpected incidents ("flops") during the competition, it highlights that challenges faced by robots in real-world environments far exceed those encountered in laboratory simulations, emphasizing the need for a long-term perspective and technological maturity within the industry.

Key Points:

1. Humanoid Robots Are Not Yet Ready to Replace Humans: Despite high expectations, numerous robots experienced malfunctions or withdrew from the 21-kilometer race, demonstrating that real-world marathon conditions are significantly more demanding than laboratory simulations.

2. Lessons Can Be Drawn From Robotic Vacuum Cleaners: Drawing a parallel between humanoid robot development and the evolution of robotic vacuum cleaners, the author points out that the industry must navigate stages such as demand identification, refinement, and "the valley of despair" before achieving mature commercial applications.

3. Non-Humanoid Robots Are Already Commercially Viable: In sectors like factory assembly lines and warehouse logistics, non-humanoid robots have already become dominant; the author stresses that aligning technology with market needs is crucial for the long-term development of humanoid robotics.

4. The Industry Needs a Long-Term Perspective: The article calls on the robotics industry to adopt a long-view approach, focusing on technological maturity and commercial implementation rather than solely pursuing short-term capital speculation.

5. Technological Innovation Is an Ongoing Process: The marathon competition served as a "best technology showcase," intended for robot manufacturers to reflect on their product positioning and drive the industry forward through continuous challenges and improvements.