Humanoid robot records broken at World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing

During the second World Humanoid Robot Games held in Beijing this past weekend, several humanoid robots demonstrated athletic performances that surpassed human world records. A robot named Lightning, developed by the Chinese smartphone maker Honor, reportedly completed a 100-meter sprint in 9.32 seconds, besting the 9.58-second record held by Usain Bolt. Another report from Philenews identifies a different robot, the Tiangong Ultra, which finished the 100-meter dash in 9.39 seconds and established a new 400-meter record of 38.15 seconds.

These events featured diverse competitions, including soccer, boxing, weightlifting, and dance. The performance of the machines varied, with some units struggling to maintain balance or failing to start, while others showcased significant advancements in mobility. China is actively promoting humanoid robotics as a strategic industry, utilizing these games to highlight progress in hardware and artificial intelligence. Lightning, which had its legs lengthened by 10 cm to 1.05 meters for the games, also previously won a 21-km Beijing half marathon in April with a time of 50 minutes and 26 seconds.

While the demonstrations highlight the rapid development of robotics, the inconsistent performance of various entries indicates that the technology is still maturing for wider practical applications. The event underscored China's commitment to integrating advanced robotics into manufacturing and logistics sectors.