China’s Tiangong Ultra humanoid robot ran 100 metres in 8.86 seconds today, breaking the nine-second barrier at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing and improving on its opening-day performance.
The robot, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre, recorded the time in a semifinal of the large-size group race at the National Speed Skating Oval, according to footage from the event.
Tiangong Ultra had completed the distance in 9.39 seconds in an earlier heat, meaning it improved its time by more than half a second.
Its semifinal time was also faster than the men’s 100-metre world record of 9.58 seconds set by Jamaica’s Usain Bolt in Berlin in 2009.
The result highlights the rapid progress being made in humanoid robotics as Chinese companies and research institutions compete to improve robots’ mobility, balance and ability to perform tasks designed for humans.
China has made humanoid robots a strategic priority as it seeks to develop advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence capabilities. The government has backed the sector through industrial policies and funding, while Chinese technology and robotics companies have accelerated development of machines designed for factories, logistics, healthcare and other applications.
The World Humanoid Robot Games, being held in Beijing, bring together humanoid robots in competitions including sprinting and other athletic events intended to test their ability to move and operate in environments designed for people.
While robots remain far from matching humans across a broad range of physical and cognitive tasks, advances in actuators, batteries, sensors, artificial intelligence and control systems have improved their ability to walk, run and interact with their surroundings.
Tiangong Ultra’s latest run is particularly notable because running requires robots to maintain balance while repeatedly shifting their weight at high speed, placing demands on both mechanical systems and real-time control software.
Stay ahead of the Stories shaping our world. Subscribe to Impact Newswire and join our
WhatsApp Channel for updates on global tech, business, and innovation—all in one place.
Dive deeper into the future with the Cause Effect 4.0 Podcast, where we explore the ideas, trends, and technologies driving the global AI conversation.
Got a story to share? Contact Us to reach a global audience with Impact Newswire.
Faustine Ngila is the AI Editor at Impact Newswire, based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is an award-winning journalist specializing in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and emerging technologies.
He previously worked as a global technology reporter at Quartz in New York and Digital Frontier in London, where he covered innovation, startups, and the global digital economy.
With years of experience reporting on cutting-edge technologies, Faustine focuses on AI developments, industry trends, and the impact of technology on society.
Discover more from Impact Newswire
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
