Chinese robot beats Usain Bolt's 100m world record

A Chinese humanoid robot has set a new benchmark in speed, completing the 100-metre dash in 9.39 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Saturday. This performance surpassed the men’s world record previously held by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who clocked 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin. The robot, named Tiangong Ultra, competed in a preliminary heat during the second edition of the games, which kicked off on Saturday. Developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, Tiangong Ultra secured victory in its category. The race saw the robot initially fall behind its competitor, Honor's Lightning, before overtaking it near the finish line. Lightning completed the distance in 9.47 seconds, also surpassing Bolt’s record. According to reports, Lightning had already demonstrated impressive capabilities earlier in the day. During a preparatory test, the robot achieved a time of 9.32 seconds for the 100 metres, reaching a peak speed of 14.5 metres per second. These figures highlight the rapid advancements in humanoid robotics within China. Lightning’s performance extended beyond sprinting. It successfully completed the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon in Beijing last year, finishing in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, faster than the current elite men’s human world record. Standing at 169 centimetres tall with 95-centimetre legs during the half-marathon, the robot’s researchers later extended its legs by 10 centimetres to enhance its mobility ahead of the games. The World Humanoid Robot Games feature 51 different events, including football, dancing, and industrial-task challenges. This year’s competition, dubbed the “Robot Olympics,” runs from August 22 to 26. Unlike the traditional Olympic Games, the focus here is on showcasing technological innovation and practical application. This year’s games represent the second edition of the event, following the inaugural games held in previous years. The competition has evolved significantly since its inception, reflecting broader trends in China’s robotics industry. Initially organized by academic teams and hobbyists, these games have grown into a national platform, supported by state media and featuring commercial products aimed at demonstrating real-world utility. The 2026 games introduce new challenges, particularly for robotic hands, requiring precision in tasks such as tightening screws, opening bottles, and picking up beads with tweezers. These changes underscore the industry’s growing emphasis on functionality and reliability, addressing one of the key challenges in developing viable robotic solutions. China’s push for advanced robotics aligns with broader national strategies under President Xi Jinping. The government has positioned humanoid robots as a critical component of the country’s strategic emerging industries, aiming to leverage breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and hardware to drive progress in manufacturing, logistics, and consumer sectors. The increasing prominence of these competitions highlights the nation’s commitment to leading global developments in robotics. As both public and private entities invest heavily in research and development, the outcomes of these games serve as a barometer for the industry’s trajectory. With continued investment and innovation, China aims to solidify its position at the forefront of the global robotics landscape.