China's robots race to break speed records at global games

China is showcasing its advancements in robotics at the Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, where over 2,000 robots from 666 teams globally are competing in a wide array of events. This year's competition emphasizes real-world applications, with robots tested in settings like fire stations, factories, and homes, moving beyond simulated environments.

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Even before the opening ceremony, a humanoid robot called Lightning, built by Chinese smartphone maker Honour, made headlines during a rehearsal by completing 100 metres in 9.32 seconds, faster than Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second world record, set at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

The games aim to assess robot autonomy, adaptability, and intelligence through new categories including martial arts, street dance, tug-of-war, and weightlifting. A notable highlight was the humanoid robot Lightning, developed by Honour, which reportedly ran 100 meters in 9.32 seconds, surpassing Usain Bolt's world record.

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More than 30 categories have been added this year, including martial arts, street dance, tug-of-war and weightlifting.

However, the competition also reveals the challenges in humanoid robotics. Without remote control, some machines struggled with basic tasks like staying upright or finishing races, with one robot reportedly collapsing with a broken waist. These incidents underscore that speed alone is insufficient; robots need sophisticated capabilities for safe and effective movement.

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Even before the opening ceremony, a humanoid robot called Lightning, built by Chinese smartphone maker Honour, made headlines during a rehearsal by completing 100 metres in 9.32 seconds, faster than Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second world record, set at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

The event, held at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval, follows the World Robot Conference 2026, where over 300 companies displayed more than 2,000 robotics products. China's robotics industry is experiencing rapid growth, with reports indicating the export of over 40,000 humanoid robots in the first half of 2026, capturing a 97% share of the global market.

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More than 2,000 robots from 666 teams worldwide are competing in 51 events, according to the Global Times, a 138 percent jump in teams from last year, with the number of participating robots nearly quadrupling.