Humanoids break records at Beijing Robot Games

Science & TechnologyHumanoids break records at Beijing Robot GamesBy AFP -Aug 23, 2026Add ARY News on GoogleHumanoid robots take part in the opening ceremony of the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)AAResizeFaceless humanoids exceeded human records and delighted hundreds of spectators at the World Robot Games over the weekend in Beijing as China showcased its dominance in the industry. Dozens of humanoids and their human operators descended on Beijing’s Olympic speed skating arena Sunday to compete in events from athletics and boxing to football and martial arts. During Saturday’s opening ceremony, a Chinese robot broke Jamaican legend Usain Bolt’s record for the 100-metre dash, a feat splashed across headlines in Chinese state media. The white and headless humanoid called Tiangong Ultra finished the sprint in 9.39 seconds according to state broadcaster CCTV — surpassing Bolt’s best of 9.58 seconds, set in 2009. On Sunday, robot-makers scored another win, with the same humanoid model shattering the 400-metre world record by nearly five seconds. Developed by a local government-backed research centre in Beijing, it finished in 38.16 seconds — with its time later revised to 38.15. In one 400-metre heat, a white-shelled robot thrashed its arms side to side as it propelled itself around the track, leaning dangerously forward as fans wondered out loud if it would fall. The robot wobbled as it stormed toward the finish but managed to remain upright. Fans were just as pleased to watch the robo-athletes flop, as multiple robotic runners failed to start. Others made their way around the track at the pace of a brisk walk or crumbled immediately after the gun start. Children and their parents giggled as a toddler-sized robot kicked a football off the pitch over knee-high barricades. ‘It’s not a test of intelligence’ Each clunky, barely defended goal earned the waddling humanoids roars of applause from the stands. Spect...