Core Viewpoint - The recent humanoid robot marathon in Beijing, with a completion rate of only 30%, highlights the current limitations of humanoid robots in real-world scenarios, suggesting that the industry is at a critical juncture for innovation and opportunity [1][5][31]. Group 1: Event Overview - The marathon featured 20 humanoid robot teams, with only 6 completing the race, showcasing various technical failures such as falling, overheating joints, and battery issues [1][8][11]. - The course was intentionally designed with complex terrains, including sharp turns and steep slopes, which posed significant challenges for robots accustomed to controlled environments [11][15]. Group 2: Industry Implications - The low completion rate is viewed not as a failure but as a necessary step in the evolution of the humanoid robotics industry, akin to early automotive challenges that preceded a transportation revolution [5][31]. - The event serves as a wake-up call for entrepreneurs to shift focus from performance-driven development to solving real-world problems, indicating a potential shift from "performance economy" to "real-world application" [20][21][31]. Group 3: Technological Limitations - The marathon exposed three fundamental limitations of humanoid robots: inadequate three-dimensional environmental perception, lack of adaptive control in movement, and energy management issues leading to frequent battery changes [18][19][20]. - These limitations suggest that current innovations are insufficient and that a new approach is needed to achieve significant advancements in humanoid robotics [20][31]. Group 4: Market Opportunities - The article identifies three key areas for potential market growth: industrial inspection and flexible manufacturing, disaster rescue in hazardous environments, and home care services for the elderly [24][28]. - Entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore upstream components, midstream platforms, and downstream solutions to create a comprehensive ecosystem that addresses real-world needs [25][26]. Group 5: Future Directions - The concept of "second curve innovation" is emphasized, where the industry must move beyond superficial performance to address genuine challenges, thus unlocking new market opportunities [20][31]. - The article concludes that the current state of humanoid robotics is not the end but rather the beginning of a transformative journey, urging stakeholders to prepare for the next phase of innovation in the AI landscape [31][33].