A humanoid robot developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center completed a 100-metre sprint in 9.39 seconds during the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, according to event organizers cited by Reuters. The machine, named Tiangong Ultra, won its preliminary heat at the National Speed Skating Oval on Saturday, outpacing the men’s 100-metre world record of 9.58 seconds set by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin.
Sprint Times and Robotic Performance at the Beijing Oval
During the Saturday preliminaries, Tiangong Ultra fell behind early in the race before overtaking a competitor near the finish line, according to Reuters. A second robot, Lightning, manufactured by smartphone maker Honor, finished the heat in 9.47 seconds. Chinese state media reported that Lightning had clocked a faster time of 9.32 seconds during a preparatory test earlier that day, reaching a peak speed of 14.5 metres per second.
The sprinting event highlighted both the physical capabilities and current mechanical limitations of humanoid robotics. According to Reuters, both Tiangong Ultra and Lightning lacked human running styles and momentum control, slamming straight into a thick stopping mat at the end of the track. Tiangong stumbled wildly into the sidelines, while Lightning collapsed to the ground and was carried away on a stretcher. Another unnamed humanoid robot fell and caught fire immediately after crossing the finish line in a separate 100-metre preliminary heat, according to Reuters coverage.
The results represent a substantial performance jump from the inaugural games held last year, where Tiangong Ultra won the 100-metre event with a time of 21.50 seconds. In addition to the sprint, Lightning won this year’s humanoid half-marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds. Broadcaster CCTV reported that researchers lengthened Lightning’s legs by 10 centimetres—bringing them to 1.05 metres—ahead of the games, modifying the robot from its configuration during last year’s half-marathon.
Event Scope and Industry Growth
The World Humanoid Robot Games run from August 22nd to 26th at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, featuring 51 total events spanning track and field, tennis, boxing, football, and industrial-task contests, according to Reuters. The competition has expanded significantly since its first iteration, drawing 2,056 robots from 666 teams across 16 countries and six continents, compared to 280 teams at the inaugural event.
Chinese policymakers and industrial firms are promoting humanoid robots as a strategic emerging industry, banking on artificial intelligence and hardware improvements to drive deployment in manufacturing, logistics, and consumer markets, Reuters reported. Investor interest in the sector was underscored on Wednesday when shares in Chinese humanoid robot maker Unitree surged more than fivefold during its Shanghai trading debut, pushing the company’s market capitalization to approximately $50 billion.
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