Historic First: Chinese Robot Breaks Usain Bolt’s 100m World Record at Beijing Games
In a groundbreaking moment for robotics and athletics alike, a Chinese humanoid robot, Tiangong Ultra, has officially eclipsed Usain Bolt’s legendary 100-metre world record during the preliminary heats of the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. Clocking in at an astonishing 9.39 seconds, Tiangong Ultra not only won its heat but also served notice of the rapid advancements being made in robotics technology.
Developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, Tiangong Ultra initially lagged behind its competitors but gained momentum towards the finish line, overtaking smartphone manufacturer Honor’s entry, Lightning, which finished with a commendable time of 9.47 seconds. This remarkable feat is particularly noteworthy, as both robots outpaced Bolt’s previous world record of 9.58 seconds, set during the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin.
This year’s performance marks a significant leap for Tiangong Ultra compared to its result in last year’s inaugural games, where it completed the 100 metres in 21.50 seconds. The innovation doesn’t stop there; Tiangong Ultra also distinguished itself by winning the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon in Beijing last year, further demonstrating the potential of humanoid robots in endurance events.
The World Humanoid Robot Games, now in its second edition, features a diverse lineup of 51 events ranging from football to dance competitions, and even tasks that simulate industrial processes. This year, the competition has attracted 2,056 robots from 666 teams representing 16 countries and six continents—an impressive increase from the 280 teams in the inaugural edition.
China’s commitment to humanoid robotics as a strategic emerging industry is evident, with both policymakers and private enterprises investing in the sector. The surge in interest among investors has been remarkable; for instance, shares in Unitree, China’s leading humanoid robot manufacturer, soared more than five times during its Shanghai trading debut, pushing its market valuation to approximately $50 billion.
As the robotics landscape evolves, the implications of these advancements extend far beyond the realm of competition. With increasing capabilities in artificial intelligence and hardware, humanoid robots like Tiangong Ultra are poised to revolutionize industries such as manufacturing and logistics, fueling excitement for a future where robotics seamlessly integrates into everyday life.
In a world increasingly defined by technological breakthroughs, Tiangong Ultra’s record-setting run not only highlights the astonishing capabilities of robotics but also sets the stage for the exciting developments yet to come in this dynamic field.
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Video “Historic first as Chinese robot beats Usain Bolt's 100m world record at Beijing games | BBC News” was uploaded on 08/22/2026 to Youtube Channel BBC News