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● LIVE Updated 51m ago · 20 sources tracked

Move over, Usain Bolt: Humanoid robots smash human records at Beijing games

A humanoid robot named Lightning ran 100m in 9.39 seconds, beating Usain Bolt's 2009 record. The feat occurred at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, featuring over 2,000 robots from 16 countries. The robots demonstrated exceptional speed but struggled with basic tasks, such as stopping or performing household chores. Their ability to run fast raises questions about future applications in athletics and industry.

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What changed

Reports now indicate that two robots achieved the record-breaking run, with one completing the 100m dash in 8.86 seconds.

Live updates

  1. Humanoid robots shatter Usain Bolt's 100m record at Beijing games

    A humanoid robot named Lightning ran 100m in 9.39 seconds, beating Usain Bolt's 2009 record. The feat occurred at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, featuring over 2,000 robots from 16 countries. The robots demonstrated exceptional speed but struggled with basic tasks, such as stopping or performing household chores. Their ability to run fast raises questions about future applications in athletics and industry.

    Why it matters

    The World Humanoid Robot Games is an Olympic-style competition showcasing humanoid robots' capabilities. The event highlights advancements in robotics engineering, which could transform future athletics and industrial automation. The games also reveal the current limitations of humanoid robots, particularly in tasks requiring adaptability and fine motor skills.

    What is confirmed

    • Over 2,000 humanoid robots are competing at the World Humanoid Robot Games.
    • A humanoid robot ran 100m in 9.39 seconds, beating Usain Bolt's 2009 record.
    • A Chinese humanoid robot completed the 100m dash in 8.86 seconds.
    • The robots lack the ability to stop independently and require crash pads or walls to halt their momentum.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The robots might struggle to survive in the real world.

    What to watch next

    • Advancements in robotics engineering and potential applications in athletics and industry
    • Development of humanoid robots' ability to perform household chores and adapt to new situations
    • Future competitions and records in robotics
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. gizmodo.com — The Robots Beat Usain Bolt, Then Met Their Match: Beans
    2. www.foxnews.com — Humanoid robot beats Usain Bolt's 100m dash record at Beijing games
    3. www.scientificamerican.com — The humanoid robot ‘Olympics’ is as ridiculous as it is impressive
    4. apnews.com — A Chinese humanoid robot sets a new 100-meter sprint record at Beijing Games
    5. www.vice.com — The Robot Games: Laughter at the Arms Fair
    6. arstechnica.com — World humanoid robot games show runners breaking records, bursting into flames
    7. theconversation.com — The ‘robot Olympics’ were spectacular – but will this technology end up helping humans?
    confidence 90%

  2. Chinese Humanoid Robot Sprints 100 Meters in 9.39 Seconds

    A Chinese humanoid robot named Lightning broke Usain Bolt's 100-meter world record with a time of 9.39 seconds during the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. The event featured over 2,000 robots from 16 countries competing in disciplines including tug of war, weightlifting, and sprinting. While the machine surpassed human speed, reports indicate the robots lack the ability to stop independently and must collide with crash pads or walls to halt their momentum. This milestone marks the first time a humanoid has beaten the 2009 human record.

    Why it matters

    The World Humanoid Robot Games serve as a benchmark for machine agility and physical capability. These results highlight a widening gap between robotic speed and human biological limits. Ongoing concerns persist regarding the security of importing foreign robotic technology.

    What is confirmed

    • A Chinese humanoid robot completed a 100-meter sprint in 9.39 seconds.
    • The World Humanoid Robot Games included more than 2,000 robots from 16 countries.
    • The competition featured events including weightlifting, tug of war, and sprinting.
    • The robot beat the 100-meter world record established by Usain Bolt.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The robots cannot stop without colliding into a crash pad or wall.

    What to watch next

    • Verification of the 9.39 second time by independent timing officials
    • Results from the high jump event
    • Official responses from national security agencies regarding robot imports
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. sports.yahoo.com — Chinese robot beats Usain Bolt's 100-meter world record, sprinting in 9.39 seconds at World Humanoid Robot Games
    2. ca.sports.yahoo.com — Ecstasy in the stadium: Salah enjoys dream home debut
    3. ca.sports.yahoo.com — Arsenal women u17s win Shanghai Cup
    4. ca.sports.yahoo.com — Many media organizations and many journalists are …
    5. www.theverge.com — Humanoid robots smash Usain Bolt’s 100-meter record
    6. www.dexerto.com — Robot breaks Usain Bolt’s 100m world record before massive crash into wall
    confidence 95%

  3. Chinese Humanoid Robots Break Human World Records in Beijing

    A Chinese humanoid robot named Lightning beat Usain Bolt's 100-meter sprint world record on Saturday during the opening day of the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. This event, described as Olympics-like, saw robots smash two human records, including the 100-meter sprint and the high jump. While spectators expressed amazement at the evolving capabilities of these machines, some observers note that humans remain superior in most other areas. National security concerns regarding foreign imports continue to persist alongside these technological milestones.

    Why it matters

    The World Humanoid Robot Games serve as a showcase for the rapid development of robotics in China. These records demonstrate a shift where mechanical performance is beginning to exceed peak human biological limits in specific athletic tasks.

    What is confirmed

    • A Chinese humanoid robot named Lightning beat Usain Bolt's 100-meter sprint world record.
    • The record was broken on Saturday during the opening day of the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.
    • Robots smashed two human records, including the 100-meter sprint and the high jump.

    Still unconfirmed

    • National security concerns exist regarding foreign imports of humanoid robots.
    • Humans are still mostly better than Chinese humanoid robots.

    What to watch next

    • Verification of the official times recorded for the 100-meter sprint and high jump
    • Details on the commercial availability and buyers of these humanoid robots
    Sources used for this update (10)
    1. Financial Times — Who is really buying China’s humanoid robots?
    2. The Guardian — Chinese robot runs 100m sprint quicker than Usain Bolt’s world record
    3. NBC News — Chinese humanoid robot ‘Lightning’ beats human 100m world record in test run
    4. Al Jazeera — Usain Bolt’s 100m record broken at World Humanoid Robot Games
    5. CNBC — Chinese humanoid robots' biggest obstacle: Humans are still (mostly) better
    6. consent.yahoo.com — Chinese humanoid robot beats Usain Bolt's sprint world record
    7. www.cbsnews.com — Chinese robot beats Usain Bolt's 100-meter sprint world record in humanoid bot games
    8. www.nbcnews.com — Move over, Usain Bolt: Humanoid robots smash human records at Beijing games
    9. www.republicworld.com — Chinese Humanoid Robots Smash Human Records in 100m Sprint & High Jump at Beijing Robot Games
    10. ca.sports.yahoo.com — Tarling third in Vuelta opener after brother's death
    confidence 90%