China’s Humanoid Robots Put Machines to the Test in Global Competition

Humanoid robots in China are being put through a series of unusual tests as the country showcases its growing ambitions in robotics.

At the second annual Humanoid Games, robots competed in events including the 100-meter dash and high jump. One humanoid robot reportedly finished the 100 meters in 9.39 seconds, faster than the world record set by sprinter Usain Bolt. The robot then crashed into a padded wall at the finish line, highlighting that the technology still has plenty of room for improvement.

The competition is part of a broader push by China to establish itself as a global leader in robotics. The event has received significant government attention, underscoring the country's focus on developing and manufacturing advanced robots.

A robotics conference in Beijing held alongside the games offered another look at the industry. Hundreds of companies in China are developing robots capable of performing tasks ranging from boxing and running to sorting packages and working in cafes.

Jeff Bernstein of the Association for Advancing Automation said the United States faces challenges in developing a resilient domestic robotics supply chain because it remains dependent on foreign components.

While China has a clear advantage in manufacturing and scaling robots, the technology remains far from perfect. Demonstrations at the games included fumbles, crashes and flying sparks.

The United States has also taken steps to restrict the technology. The Trump administration has banned imports of newly manufactured foreign humanoid and quadruped robots, citing national security concerns. China accounts for about 82% of humanoid robot shipments worldwide, according to information included in the report.

The competition demonstrates both how quickly humanoid robotics is advancing and how much further the technology still has to go before these machines can reliably perform complex tasks in the real world.