**Title: Usain Bolt’s 100m Record Surpassed by Humanoid Robot at World Humanoid Robot Games**
**Beijing, China** – In a groundbreaking development for robotics and athletics, a humanoid robot named Lightning, created by Chinese smartphone manufacturer Honor, has officially broken Usain Bolt’s long-standing 100-meter world record. The event took place during the second World Humanoid Robot Games, which commenced in Beijing on August 22, 2026.
According to reports from China’s state broadcaster, Lightning completed the 100-meter dash in an astonishing time of 9.32 seconds, surpassing Bolt’s previous record of 9.58 seconds set during the World Athletics Championships in Berlin in 2009. During a preparatory test event prior to the games, the robot achieved a peak speed of 14.5 meters per second (approximately 47.6 feet per second).
The performance of Lightning has sparked significant interest in the potential of humanoid robots in various fields. China has been actively promoting the development of humanoid robots as part of its strategic initiatives, with hopes that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics will lead to increased deployment in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and consumer services.
In addition to its record-breaking sprint, Lightning has also demonstrated impressive endurance capabilities. Earlier this year, the robot won the Beijing half marathon, completing the 21-kilometer (13-mile) race in a time of 50 minutes and 26 seconds, which is faster than the elite men’s human world-record pace.
Lightning stands at 169 centimeters (5.5 feet) tall and originally had legs measuring 95 centimeters (3.1 feet). In preparation for the World Humanoid Robot Games, researchers extended its legs by an additional 10 centimeters to 1.05 meters (3.4 feet), likely contributing to its enhanced performance.
The World Humanoid Robot Games aim to showcase the latest advancements in robotics and AI, with various competitions designed to test the capabilities of humanoid robots in different scenarios. As the field of robotics continues to evolve, events like these are expected to play a crucial role in highlighting the potential applications and future developments in humanoid technology.
The achievement of Lightning is a significant milestone in the ongoing exploration of robotics and its intersection with human athleticism, raising questions about the future of sports and competition in a world where machines can surpass human capabilities.