Chinese Robots Break Usain Bolt’s 100m Record

Chinese humanoid robot Tiangong Ultra has reportedly shattered the 100-meter world record previously held by Usain Bolt. During a preliminary heat at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, Tiangong Ultra completed the race in an astonishing 9.39 seconds.

This performance significantly surpasses Usain Bolt’s 2009 record of 9.58 seconds. Another humanoid robot, Lightning, also outpaced Bolt, finishing its official heat in 9.47 seconds.

Engineering for Enhanced Speed

Prior to these sprint games, Lightning had already demonstrated remarkable endurance by winning a humanoid robot half-marathon in Beijing in April. It completed that race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, a pace faster than the human men’s world record.

To enhance its sprint capabilities for the games, Lightning underwent a physical modification. Its legs were lengthened by 10 cm, increasing from 95 cm to 1.05 meters, a change that contributed to its improved performance.

China’s Strategic Robotics Push

The second edition of the World Humanoid Robot Games underscored China’s strategic advancements in humanoid robotics. The event featured 51 events and saw participation from 2,056 robots, representing 666 teams across 16 countries and 6 continents.

China’s robotics sector benefits significantly from robust domestic supply chains, substantial government subsidies, and supportive policies. These initiatives are outlined in strategic documents, including the country’s 2021 five-year plan, aiming to showcase potential applications.

Investor enthusiasm for humanoid robotics in China is also notable. This was evidenced by the surge in Unitree shares during its Shanghai debut, which resulted in a market value of approximately $50 billion.