BEIJING, AUGUST 23: In a groundbreaking demonstration of technological progression, a Chinese humanoid robot completed the 100-meter sprint in 9.39 seconds during a preliminary heat at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. The performance by Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, surpassed the iconic 9.58-second human world record established by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in 2009.
The rapid advancement comes as national policymakers and leading technology firms continue to expand investments in artificial intelligence and hardware design, viewing humanoid robotics as a key growth sector for manufacturing, consumer logistics, and supply chains. Market enthusiasm for the sector remains exceptionally strong, with major domestic developers securing multibillion-dollar valuations in public stock markets.
During the race, Tiangong Ultra executed a late surge to pass its primary competitor, a humanoid named Lightning built by smartphone developer Honor, which finished shortly behind in 9.47 seconds—also under the human world record. Event organizers noted that while the high-speed sprint lacked human poise at the finish line, requiring safety mats and technical assistance for the machines, the times demonstrate extraordinary progress from the inaugural games a year prior when the winning mark stood at 21.50 seconds.
