Chinese humanoid robot that beat Usain Bolt’s 100-meter sprint record does it again but even faster
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A Chinese humanoid robot named Tiangong Ultra has broken its previous sprinting record by completing the one hundred meter dash in exactly eight point eight six seconds during the World Humanoid Robot Games held in Beijing. Developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, this advanced bipedal machine surpassed its earlier mark of nine point three nine seconds set just days prior. Both robotic times eclipsed the human world record of nine point five eight seconds established by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt back in two thousand and nine. The high profile international event features thousands of competing machines across multiple athletic and industrial categories. Following its historic sprint, Tiangong Ultra collided with a protective barrier and suffered a minor torso fire that officials extinguished quickly on site. Industry analysts note that while these spectacular athletic demonstrations highlight rapid hardware engineering progress, practical commercial deployment remains challenging amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Timeline
- On date August 15, 2025, inaugural humanoid robot games began Beijing.
- On date August 19, 2026, Unitree launched major Shanghai IPO.
- On date August 22, 2026, opening ceremonies showcased competing robots.
- On date August 23, 2026, Tiangong Ultra ran preliminary heats.
- On date August 25, 2026, preliminary robot sprint heats concluded.
- On date August 26, 2026, Tiangong Ultra clocked record sprint.
- On date August 26, 2026, robot crashed into barrier fire.
- In coming months, manufacturers will target expanded industrial factory deployments.
- By next year, experts predict increased commercial humanoid robot sales.
- In future years, global regulatory scrutiny on robotics will escalate.
Sources
Associated Press (Robotics Hub)
Associated Press (Unitree IPO)
Associated Press (Beijing Robot Games)
Associated Press (Photo Gallery)
Associated Press (Sprint Photo Gallery)
Associated Press (Conference Video)
Associated Press (Robot Conference)
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