**Chinese Robot Tiangong Clocks Sub-9-Second 100 Metres in Beijing**
Beijing, China – In a remarkable display of technological advancement, the Tiangong Ultra humanoid robot has set a new benchmark in speed by completing a 100-meter sprint in just 8.86 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games held on August 25, 2026. This achievement marks a significant improvement over its previous record of 9.39 seconds, which was established during the event's opening.
Developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, the Tiangong Ultra's latest performance not only surpasses its own prior record but also outpaces the human world record for the 100 meters, held by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who completed the distance in 9.58 seconds in 2009. The robot's time reflects a remarkable leap in robotic capabilities, showcasing the rapid evolution of humanoid technology.
The World Humanoid Robot Games, now in its second edition, features over 2,000 robots from 666 teams competing in 51 different events, including football, dancing, and industrial tasks. This year's competition has drawn significant attention due to the impressive advancements in robotic performance, particularly in speed and agility.
Tiangong Ultra achieved its sub-nine-second sprint during the semifinal round of the large-size robot division. The robot's race concluded with a dramatic finish, as it struck a thick mat placed beyond the finish line to halt its motion, resulting in a small fire from the impact. Despite this setback, the performance was celebrated as a historic moment in robotics.
Li Hui, an engineer with Fudan University’s table-tennis team, expressed awe at the robot's capabilities. "Reading that a motor-powered robot can run faster than a human is one thing," he remarked. "Seeing it rush past you during training is completely different. You realize how impressive it is."
The Tiangong Ultra's success follows its victory at last year's inaugural games, where it completed the 100 meters in a much slower time of 21.50 seconds. Additionally, the robot had previously won the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon in Beijing, finishing with an amateur-level time of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
During the current event, Tiangong Ultra also faced competition from other robots, including Honor's Lightning, which recorded a time of 9.47 seconds in the preliminary rounds. Lightning had previously achieved a faster time of 9.32 seconds during a test run, demonstrating the competitive nature of the event.
The Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center has reported that its Tiangong robots have now surpassed four human world records across various categories, including a 400-meter sprint in 38.15 seconds, a 1,500-meter run in 2 minutes and 21.64 seconds, and a high jump of 2.88 meters.
The center's backing includes state-owned enterprises and major tech firms like Baidu and Xiaomi, reflecting the Chinese government's strategic emphasis on humanoid robots as a key emerging industry. This initiative aims to leverage advancements in artificial intelligence, motors, and sensors for applications in manufacturing, logistics, and services.
As the World Humanoid Robot Games continue, the spotlight remains on the Tiangong Ultra and its potential to redefine the capabilities of humanoid robots. The event not only showcases the latest in robotic technology but also highlights the growing interest and investment in this field, positioning China at the forefront of the global robotics industry.