Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Robot sprinter breaks 100-meter record at China’s humanoid games
A robot ran 100 meters in 8.64 seconds at a competition in Beijing.
This was faster than the robots that set records earlier in the same event.
It was also faster than the human men’s world record set by Usain Bolt.
The robot was a model called Tiangong Ultra.
Several robots fell or crashed after crossing the finish line.
Some produced sparks, so workers used fire extinguishers.
More than 2,000 humanoid robots competed in sports and practical tasks.
Experts said the harder challenge is making robots work safely and independently in real places such as factories and warehouses.
A humanoid robot finished the 100 meters in 8.64 seconds at China’s World Humanoid Robot Games.
The result marked the third 100-meter record set at the five-day Beijing competition.
The Tiangong Ultra model, developed by the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics, set all three records.
Several robots crashed after finishing, while sparks and fires prompted staff to use extinguishers.
Experts said robot racing shows progress, but autonomous work in factories and warehouses remains the larger test.
- Who
- The Tiangong Ultra humanoid robot and more than 2,000 competing robots; robotics experts and event staff were also involved.
- What
- A Tiangong Ultra robot set a 100-meter humanoid robot record of 8.64 seconds.
- When
- Wednesday, the final day of the five-day World Humanoid Robot Games.
- Where
- Beijing, China.
- Why
- The Games showcased China’s technological development, while experts used the event to assess the limits and future challenges of humanoid robots.
Technology Showcase
Real-World Caution
Meaning of the record
Technology Showcase
The 8.64-second run and three consecutive event records demonstrate rapid progress in humanoid robot performance.
Real-World Caution
Experts said track running takes place under relatively predictable conditions and does not prove that robots can handle the complexities of everyday environments.
Robots’ practical readiness
Technology Showcase
The Games included housework, hotel services and emergency-response events, suggesting robots are being tested beyond sports.
Real-World Caution
Jonathan Hurst said the more important test is whether humanoids can work autonomously for hours in factories and warehouses while generating economic value.
Reliability and safety
Technology Showcase
The robots completed a demanding race faster than previous competitors and faster than the human men’s world record.
Real-World Caution
Several runners crashed into a padded barrier, some emitted sparks, and many had to be carried away on stretchers.
- Winning time
- 8.64 seconds for 100 meters
- Earlier event records
- 8.86 seconds on Tuesday and 9.39 seconds four days earlier
- Human comparison
- Usain Bolt’s men’s 100-meter world record is 9.58 seconds
- Competition size
- More than 2,000 humanoid robots competed
- Event location
- Beijing, China
- Robot model
- Tiangong Ultra
- Developer
- Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics, also known as X-Humanoid