Beijing Humanoid Games Showcases 2k Robots

At the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, more than 2,000 robots from 666 teams across 16 countries participate in 51 events, underscoring China's rapid robotics progress amid U.S.–China tech competition. Opening results saw Tiangong Ultra clock 9.39 seconds in the 100 meters, reportedly faster than Usain Bolt's 9.58-second human record, while a separate test event produced a 9.32-second time, illustrating accelerating capabilities. The event features autonomous operation challenges across logistics and hospitality, with thousands of robots showcasing varied real-world tasks. A table-tennis showcase featured Expedition A3 exchanging rallies with Olympic champion Ding Ning, operating without onboard cameras and relying on external motion-capture data and AI. Organizers emphasize the spectacle's real-world potential, while observers note geopolitical tensions, including U.S. import bans and increased scrutiny of Chinese robotics, with high-jump demonstrations also on display. The five-day competition continues alongside the World Robot Conference, reflecting rapid progress but facing ongoing translation from controlled tests to robust autonomous performance.