China’s humanoid robots have shown they can run quicker than the fastest humans.
\n\nNow comes the real test: can they also handle packaging and warehouse operations while reliably performing precision tasks like connecting cables designed to evaluate their ability to work like humans in less flashy jobs?
\n\nThe five-day World Humanoid Robot Games, which began Saturday in Beijing, combine events modelled on human sports with those designed to test the robots in simulated factories, restaurants, offices and in emergency situations.
\n\nThe games, heavily promoted in Chinese state media, feature 51 events, including 30 sports competitions and 21 scenario-based contests. More than 40% require robots to operate fully autonomously, according to Huawei, a tech partner of the games.
\n\nOn Saturday, two robots ran faster than Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second world record in the 100-meter sprint. That was a sharp improvement from 2025, when the winning robot’s time was more than 20 seconds. Braking was an issue, as the machines slammed into a thick mat that organizers placed several feet after the finish line.
\n\nHumanoid robot beats Usain Bolt's 100-meter record
\n\nAnother humanoid, the same model as the 100-meter champion, ran 400 meters in 39.7 seconds, faster than South African Wayde van Niekerk’s…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/