A high-performance humanoid robot has established a new 100-meter sprint record, finishing the race in 8.64 seconds on Wednesday. The feat took place at the conclusion of the five-day World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, marking the second year of the event. The competition saw more than 2,000 humanoid robots participate in various athletic categories, including boxing, soccer, and running.
The record-setting performance by the Tiangong Ultra—a model developed by the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics, also known as X-Humanoid—followed a series of rapid improvements throughout the games. On Tuesday, a robot completed the distance in 8.86 seconds, which itself was an improvement over a 9.39-second run recorded four days prior. For context, these times are approaching the human world record of 9.58 seconds, set by Usain Bolt in 2009.
The event concluded with dramatic scenes as several robots, including the champion, collided with padded barriers immediately after crossing the finish line. Some machines began emitting sparks upon impact, prompting staff to intervene with fire extinguishers. Ultimately, nearly all the participating robot runners were transported from the track on stretchers.
While experts recognize the significant advancements made by these machines in the controlled environment of a track, they emphasize that real-world application remains the ultimate test. Jonathan Hurst, a professor of robotics at Oregon State University, stated that true progress will be measured in settings like factories and warehouses where humanoids perform autonomous work for extended periods to generate real economic value. Beyond the track, the competition also featured robots performing practical tasks, such as hotel services, emergency response, and housework. The X-Humanoid company, which developed the record-breaking robot, was established in Beijing in 2023.
