Humanoid Robot Breaks Usain Bolt's 100m Record at World Humanoid Games

A humanoid robot has reportedly surpassed Usain Bolt's 100-meter sprint record at the second annual World Humanoid Robot Games, held in Beijing. During preliminary events, a robot named "Lightning," developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, clocked a time of 9.32 seconds, besting Usain Bolt's 2009 record of 9.58 seconds. Another robot, "Tiangong Ultra" from Beijing-based X-Humanoid, also ran the 100m in 9.39 seconds during the official opening of the games on Saturday.

Following its record-breaking sprint, the robot reportedly collided with a padded wall or cushion positioned past the finish line to halt its momentum. Footage from the event indicated that after hitting the stopping mechanism, robots sometimes fell and were subsequently carried off by support staff.

The World Humanoid Robot Games, which commenced on August 22, 2026, feature various sports and scenario-based challenges, showcasing advancements in humanoid robotics. This year's event highlights China's rapid progress in robotics, with over 2,000 robots from numerous international teams participating in competitions like running, table tennis, and even simulated industrial tasks.