So much for the future of running. A humanoid robot, bundled up in a specially designed thermal jacket, has frozen out of an Antarctic marathon with its battery flat at just 3 kilometres. The humans? Still going at minus 24°C, no charger required.
Meet Qestr, the robot that really wanted to prove itself. On 8 November 2026, it joined 25 human runners at the Antarctic Ice Ultra near Ultima Camp, hoping to show that humanoid robots can cope with the planet's chilliest corners.
But while the human competitors battled through the freezing conditions, Qestr's battery gave up before it could even cover two miles.
Why Did the Humanoid Robot Run Out of Power?
Qestr's attempt came to an abrupt end after approximately 3 kilometres when its battery ran out.
The extreme cold was a significant challenge for the battery-powered machine, with temperatures reaching minus 24°C during the event.
Low temperatures can have a major impact on lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in modern electronic devices and robots.
Lithium-ion batteries rely on chemical reactions to produce electricity. But when temperatures drop, these reactions slow down, making it harder for the battery to release energy. This means it cannot deliver as much power as it normally would, causing devices to run out of charge more quickly.
In practical terms, a battery that performs normally in mild conditions may struggle to provide the same power in extreme cold.
A Thermal Jacket Was Not Enough To Save It
Qestr was equipped with a specially designed thermal jacket intended to protect its components from Antarctica's freezing environment.
The jacket was designed to keep the robot's sensitive electronic parts warm by acting as a protective layer against the freezing air. This helps prevent the cold from affecting its internal components.
However, protecting a robot's exterior does not necessarily solve the problem of keeping its battery operating efficiently.
The machine still needs a reliable power supply to keep its systems running, particularly when performing physically demanding movements over an extended period.
And the battery was not the only obstacle standing in its way.
The Reality Check for Humanoid Robotics
Qestr's failed attempt highlights a wider challenge facing the rapidly developing humanoid robotics industry.
Machines are increasingly being designed to resemble humans, with the ability to walk, run and interact with their surroundings. But impressive demonstrations do not necessarily mean they are ready to handle unpredictable real-world conditions.
Operating outside controlled environments requires more than sophisticated movements. Robots need batteries that can withstand extreme temperatures, effective thermal management systems and the ability to navigate challenging terrain without wasting excessive energy.
From industrial workplaces to disaster response operations, machines may eventually be expected to function in environments where reliable performance is essential.
That means developers must do more than make robots look and move like humans – they need to build machines capable of surviving the unpredictable conditions of the real world.
Until then, humans might still have the upper hand. And if robots ever take over the world, Antarctica might just be the safest place for us to hide – at least until they figure out how to keep their batteries charged.
