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Humanoid robot runs 100 metres in 9.39 seconds at Beijing games

A robot completed the sprint in Beijing, drawing attention to China’s fast-moving humanoid robotics sector and questions about practical use.

A humanoid robot ran 100 metres in 9.39 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, according to footage from the event. The time was faster than Usain Bolt’s official world record for the distance.

The race took place at a competition showcasing robots built to move, balance and perform athletic tasks. Organisers and observers have used the event to highlight how quickly Chinese robotics firms are advancing in machine mobility.

The New York Times reported that experts still see a gap between such demonstrations and everyday usefulness. They said it remains unclear how far these athletic displays will translate into work outside the arena.

The Beijing event is part of a broader push in China to develop humanoid robots for commercial and industrial applications, alongside public competitions that test speed, coordination and control.

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