A Chinese humanoid robot ran 100 meters in 9.39 seconds on Saturday, beating the human world record [1].
The achievement marks a significant milestone in robotics, demonstrating that humanoid machines can now exceed the peak physical speed of the fastest humans.
The Tiangong Ultra achieved the time during the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing [2]. The robot reached a peak speed of 14.5 meters per second [3]. This performance surpassed the 9.58-second world record held by Usain Bolt [4].
"The Tiangong Ultra set a new benchmark for humanoid robotics, beating the human world record," Reuters said [5].
The competition was not limited to a single success. A second-place robot also beat Bolt's record time, though it collapsed upon crossing the finish line [6]. A CBS News reporter said the performance stunned the crowd [6].
The event in Beijing serves as a global showcase for advancements in robotics and speed capabilities. The games, which run through Wednesday, feature a massive scale of participation. While reports on the exact number of competitors vary, estimates range from more than 2,000 [7] to over 2,500 robots [8]. These machines represent 666 different teams [7].
Organizers designed the games to highlight how modern humanoid robots can handle complex physical tasks at high speeds. The Tiangong Ultra's run is the most prominent example of this technical progression, pushing the boundaries of mechanical locomotion.
“The Tiangong Ultra reached a peak speed of 14.5 metres per second, completing the 100 metres in 9.39 seconds.”
This event signals a shift in humanoid robotics from slow, balanced movement to high-velocity athletic performance. By surpassing the human limit for sprinting, these machines demonstrate a level of actuator power and real-time stability that could eventually be applied to emergency response, industrial logistics, and search-and-rescue operations in rugged terrain.
