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Humanoid robot Lightning runs 100m in 9.32s, faster than Bolt's record

Published on: 22 Aug 2026, 02:10 PM

Beijing, China – A humanoid robot named Lightning has completed the 100-metre sprint in 9.32 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games, a time faster than the human world record of 9.58 seconds set by Usain Bolt in 2009.

The robot, designed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, is described as a thin black and red machine. It achieved the feat on Saturday at the opening of the multi-day event held in Beijing.

Bolt, the eight-time Olympic gold medallist from Jamaica, set his record at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. While the comparison is striking, experts note that robot sprints and human athletics involve different mechanics, and the robot's time is part of a separate competition category.

The World Humanoid Robot Games feature a range of events, including boxing, football, and practical household tasks such as folding laundry. Organisers say more than 2,000 robots from 16 countries are expected to take part.

The event underscores China's significant investment in robotics, a sector the government has identified as a strategic priority. The games provide a platform for showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence, mobility, and automation.

Source: BBC News

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