Faceless humanoid robots impressed hundreds of spectators and set new records at the World Robot Games in Beijing over the weekend, highlighting China’s growing strength in the robotics industry.
Dozens of humanoid robots and their human operators gathered at Beijing’s Olympic speed skating arena Sunday to compete in events including athletics, boxing, soccer and martial arts.
During the opening ceremony Saturday, a Chinese robot reportedly broke Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt’s 100-meter record, drawing major attention in Chinese state media.
The white, headless humanoid robot, called Tiangong Ultra, completed the 100-meter sprint in 9.39 seconds, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The time was faster than Bolt’s record of 9.58 seconds, set in 2009.
On Sunday, the same robot model set another record, breaking the 400-meter world record by nearly five seconds.
The robot, developed by a Beijing research center backed by the local government, completed the race in 38.16 seconds. Its time was later revised to 38.15 seconds.
In one of the 400-meter heats, a white robot swung its arms from side to side as it moved around the track. It leaned dangerously forward, making spectators wonder whether it would fall.
The robot wobbled as it rushed toward the finish line but managed to remain upright.
Spectators also enjoyed watching some of the robots fail, as several robotic runners were unable to start their races.
Others moved around the track at a slow pace, while some fell immediately after the starting gun was fired.
Children and parents also laughed as a toddler-sized robot kicked a soccer ball off the field and over knee-high barriers.
