Japan Holds World's First Robot Marathon

TOKYO - The world's first robot marathon is under way in
western Japan, with five two-legged participants racing on an
indoor track.

The race kicked off Thursday with the 1-foot (30-centimeter)
-tall, battery-charged robots competing around a 110-yard
(100-meter) racetrack. They will have to cover 26 miles (42
kilometers).

Japanese robot maker and event organizer Vstone Co. says the
"Robo Mara Full" race in Osaka will demonstrate the machines'
durability and maneuverability.

Vstone robots took an early lead, while two entrants by Osaka
University of Engineering teams got off to a shaky start. The race
is expected to last through Sunday.

Vstone CEO Nobuo Yamato hopes the event will become
international in the future.