Chinese humanoid robots amazed spectators by setting new world records previously held by humans at the second World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, China. The event showcased over 2,000 humanoid robots competing in various disciplines, highlighting China’s advancements in robotics technology.
The five-day games featured 51 events with more than 1,000 competitions, including running, table tennis, and soccer, held at the National Speed Skating Oval, which was originally built for the 2022 Winter Olympics. This year’s games coincided with the 2026 World Robot Conference, where around 3,000 products, including humanoid robots, were exhibited, demonstrating China’s dominance in this field.
The competition saw Chinese humanoid robots surpassing human records, with one robot clocking a remarkable 9.39 seconds in the 100-meter sprint, beating Usain Bolt’s record. Another robot achieved a standing high jump of 2.88 meters, setting a new benchmark in the games.
Despite these impressive feats, experts note that humanoid robots are primarily used for demonstrations, performances, and research purposes, with widespread real-world deployment still a work in progress. Nevertheless, spectators at the event expressed excitement and amazement at the rapid progress and capabilities of the humanoid robots.
The ongoing technology race between China and the U.S. in the robotics sector was highlighted by recent actions taken by the U.S. government, including a ban on imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and increased scrutiny on Chinese robot manufacturers. However, Chinese companies continue to lead the way in the production of humanoid robots globally.
The World Humanoid Robot Games featured participants from 16 countries, including Germany, Japan, and the U.S., engaging in a variety of events such as weightlifting and tug of war, showcasing the diverse applications of humanoid robot technology on a global stage.
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