HONOR has brought its humanoid robots outside China for the first time, choosing Malaysia as the destination for their overseas debut. The robots appeared at the Malaysia Marathon 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, August 30, where HONOR Robotics D1 tackled the 10KM category and HONOR Robotics A1 joined the 5KM route alongside Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
D1 Takes On The 10KM Challenge
The Malaysia Marathon gave HONOR Robotics D1 its first opportunity to operate in a major sporting event outside China. The robot helped kick off the event before taking on the 10KM course, putting its walking and running capabilities to the test over a long outdoor distance.
The challenge also placed the robot in a different environment from the conditions it experienced in China. Malaysia’s hot and humid climate created additional demands on its battery endurance, movement stability and ability to maintain performance throughout the race. Completing the 10KM route provided a real-world test of how the humanoid robot performs over distance in sustained outdoor heat.
The overseas appearance follows a record-setting performance in China. Before arriving in Malaysia, the robot completed the Beijing Yizhuang Humanoid Robot Half Marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, with a reported peak speed of 14.5 metres per second. HONOR said the performance broke the human world record for the event.
A1 Joins Public Marathon Route
While D1 took on the longer distance, HONOR Robotics A1 participated in the 5KM category. It ran alongside Ahmad Zahid, several ministers, celebrities and other participants, bringing the humanoid robot directly into the middle of a public sporting event.
The appearance offered spectators a chance to see HONOR’s robotics technology operating alongside people rather than only in a controlled demonstration. The company described the Malaysia Marathon as an opportunity to show how humanoid robots could move from technology designed to serve people towards technology that can operate alongside them.
The marathon also formed part of Malaysia’s National Day celebrations. During the event, 1,000 students carried what was described as the country’s longest Jalur Gemilang while marching alongside HONOR’s humanoid robot. The combination of the national celebration, public race and robotics demonstration made the event a highly visible showcase for emerging technology.
HONOR Expands Beyond Smartphones
HONOR said the Malaysia debut reflects its wider push into humanoid robotics as it expands beyond smartphones, tablets and other smart devices. The company has increasingly highlighted artificial intelligence and advanced robotics as part of its broader technology strategy, with a focus on bringing emerging technologies into everyday environments.
The company also pointed to its position in Malaysia, saying it recorded the country’s No. 1 market share in the first quarter of 2026. HONOR said the robot’s participation in the marathon demonstrated both its technological development and its long-term commitment to the Malaysian market. It added that it plans to continue introducing human-centred technologies to Malaysian users as it explores new applications for humanoid robotics.
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