China’s humanoid robots are making headlines after a robot named Lightning Bolt reportedly completed the 100-meter sprint in 9.39 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.
The performance narrowly beat Usain Bolt’s legendary 9.58-second human world record, set in 2009. But unlike the Jamaican sprinter, the robot struggled to slow down after crossing the finish line and crashed into a padded wall. It was later carried away on a stretcher.
Another humanoid robot from Chinese smartphone maker Honor reportedly posted an even faster 9.32-second time during a pre-event trial, reaching a top speed of about 14.5 meters per second.
The five-day competition features more than 2,000 robots competing across dozens of events, including running, soccer, table tennis, weightlifting and tug of war.
The event highlights how quickly humanoid robotics is advancing, while also reflecting the growing technology competition between China and the United States.
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