A humanoid robot has broken Usain Bolt’s 100-meter sprint record at the World Humanoid Robot Games held in Beijing, China. This remarkable achievement occurred on Saturday when a robot created by Beijing-based X-Humanoid completed the 109 yards in 9.39 seconds, surpassing the 2009 record of 9.58 seconds set by the Jamaican runner.
Footage from the event showed robots crashing into a cushion and falling to the ground at the end of the race to stop, before being removed on stretchers. During the opening ceremony of the World Humanoid Robot Games, this 100-meter race was among several events showcasing these robots.
Another robot from the same company excelled in the standing high jump, reaching 2.88 meters. This achievement eclipsed the human record of 2.45 meters set by Cuba’s Javier Sotomayor in 1993. However, not all robots succeeded; some tripped, fell, and even caught fire during competitions.
These records were established on the first day of the event, which features over 2,000 humanoid robots participating across various sports, including running, table tennis, and soccer. The games aim to highlight China’s advancements in robotics technology.
During the opening ceremony on Saturday, organizers and manufacturers stated that these robots have defeated human records, with hundreds of robots marching in a synchronized display. However, tensions between China and the U.S. have increased, as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission recently banned imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots, citing national security concerns.
The Pentagon has also listed Unitree, a leading Chinese humanoid robot maker, as having ties to the Chinese military. Beijing has countered these claims, asserting their own position.
China continues to lead in humanoid robot production, with manufacturers receiving thousands of orders from government and private sectors. Yet, experts suggest that while the technology is used primarily in demonstrations and performances, widespread real-world applications may require more time to develop.