HONOR's half-marathon champion humanoid robot has officially stepped outside China for the first time, with Malaysia as its first overseas destination.
The robot previously broke the human world record at the Beijing Yizhuang Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, completing the race in just 50 minutes and 26 seconds with a peak speed of 14.5 metres per second.
This time, it made its official overseas debut at Malaysia Marathon 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.
As one of the event's standout technology highlights, the HONOR Robotics D1 kicked off the marathon and successfully completed the 10km category.
Compared to conditions in China, Malaysia's hot outdoor climate added another layer of difficulty, as the sustained heat placed greater demands on the robot's battery endurance, movement stability and sustained performance, offering a comprehensive test of its ability to cover long distances in a real outdoor environment.
Meanwhile, another robot, HONOR Robotics A1, joined the 5km route, which was flagged off by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, alongside several ministers, celebrities and participants.
It became one of the day's most talked-about technology moments on the course, bringing humanoid robotics technology closer to the public in a more approachable way.
The event coincided with National Day celebrations and also saw HONOR's humanoid robot march alongside 1,000 local students who carried the longest Jalur Gemilang in the nation's history.
In a press statement, HONOR said that the initiative goes beyond technological breakthroughs, as it signifies how technology could empower human potential. Bringing HONOR's robots to Malaysia Marathon 2026 was a way of showing how technology can evolve from “serving people” to “moving alongside people”.
HONOR also noted that the brand has built strong consumer trust in the Malaysian market and ranked number one in market share in 1Q 2026, according to Counterpoint Research.
The robots' appearance reflects not only the brand’s technological strength, but also its long-term commitment to the Malaysian market.
HONOR said it will continue to bring warmer, more human-centred technology to local users.
From smart devices to AI and now humanoid robots, HONOR aims to continue pushing the boundaries between technology and everyday life.
What set off from the racetrack this time was more than just a robot – it was a new step in bringing cutting-edge technology into the real world.
