Peking: Humanoid Robot Beats Usain Bolt's Sprint Record

Behind the project is Chinese company Honor, which presented an initial robot to the public last year. Key figures in the development are, according to Chinese media reports, Wang Weiyi and an employee known by the nickname Andy. Honor is best known for smartphones and is now seeking to establish itself in the field of humanoid robotics — a market in which China competes internationally.

Who Is Behind the Robot?

The record-breaking performance raises questions about comparability. Usain Bolt raced against other humans under the supervision of track-and-field's world governing bodies; a robot is programmed by developers and requires different starting conditions. Nevertheless, the organizers of the Robo-Olympiad regard the run as a sporting demonstration of the capabilities of modern humanoids.

Images and videos of the run spread like wildfire across Chinese social media. Many users celebrated the machine's speed as a symbol of the country's technological progress. Critical voices pointed out that a robot record cannot be equated with human achievements.

Reactions on Social Media

A second item on the event program featured a robotic arm sorting ping-pong balls into cups in a dexterity exercise. In another discipline, smaller running robots competed against each other over a short distance. The audience in the Peking stadium followed the demonstrations with great interest.

Observers see the demonstration as further evidence of the rapid advances being made by Chinese manufacturers in humanoid robotics. Earlier this year, several Chinese companies unveiled new models capable of climbing stairs, grasping objects, and walking independently for extended periods.

Outlook on Further Deployments

According to the company, Honor's humanoid robot is to be used in the future in industry, households, and care settings. When the first serial models will come to market remains unclear. The next edition of the Robo-Olympiad has been announced for next year.

After the official program ended, the robot performed additional Tai Chi movements, this time accompanied by classical Chinese music. The organizers spoke of a successful conclusion to an event designed to bring technology and sport together.