Key facts
- A Chinese humanoid robot set a new 100-meter sprint record of 8.86 seconds.
- The record was set at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.
- The previous robot record was 9.39 seconds.
- The robot fell after crossing the finish line.
A Chinese humanoid robot set a new 100-meter sprint record of 8.86 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. The event, in its second year, showcases China's advancements in robotics amidst technological competition with the U.S. The previous robot record of 9.39 seconds was set just three days prior. For comparison, the men's 100-meter world record is 9.58 seconds, held by Usain Bolt. The record-breaking robot fell after crossing the finish line, emitting sparks. The Games feature over 1,300 competitions with more than 2,000 robots across 51 events, including running, long jump, table tennis, and ballroom dancing. Robots also compete in team-based real-world scenarios like household tasks, hotel services, and emergency response. China's official newspaper, People's Daily, noted that 'housekeeper' and 'caregiver' robots are in pilot phases, emphasizing that challenges drive development and the industry is evolving towards higher quality and innovation.