Robotics Speed Record
Humanoid Robot Lightning Runs 100 Meters in 9.32 Seconds, Surpassing Usain Bolt
Key Points
Lightning’s half-marathon configuration was 169 cm tall with 95 cm legs, and engineers later extended its leg length by 10 cm to 1.05 meters ahead of the World Humanoid Robot Games.
The 9.32-second 100 m dash was conducted as a preparatory test event for the second World Humanoid Robot Games, not a formal competition.
The World Humanoid Robot Games are scheduled to run August 22–26 in Beijing, with events including 100 m, 400 m and 1,500 m for humanoid robots, alongside other sports such as long jump and ping pong.
China’s push to develop humanoid robots is framed as a strategic emerging industry, with policymakers and companies betting that advances in AI and hardware will accelerate deployment in manufacturing, logistics and consumer applications.
Honor's humanoid robot Lightning ran 100 meters in 9.32 seconds, surpassing Usain Bolt's world record of 9.58 seconds MarketScreener. The test showcases how fast robotics technology has become and signals China's growing push to lead the humanoid robot industry.
Lightning reached a peak speed of 14.5 meters per second during the run TheScore. The demonstration came ahead of the second World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, where multiple humanoid robots are expected to compete in sprints and other athletic events.
How Lightning's Body Was Redesigned for Speed
Lightning started its public demonstrations much shorter. During the Beijing half marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, the robot stood 169 centimeters tall with legs measuring 95 centimeters MarketScreener. Engineers then extended its legs by 10 centimeters to reach 1.05 meters total length.
The longer legs gave Lightning better stride length and stability at high speeds. These hardware changes, combined with AI improvements, help the robot move faster and more smoothly. Researchers continue refining both the mechanical parts and the software that controls movement.
The Games Where Robots Compete Against Records
The second World Humanoid Robot Games run August 22–26 in Beijing DetroitNews. Events include the 100-meter dash, 400-meter run, and 1,500-meter race for humanoid robots. Athletes will also compete in long jump and ping pong matches.
Lightning's 9.32-second run was a preparatory test, not an official competition event MarketScreener. The demonstration helped organizers and engineers prepare for the full Games. Multiple Chinese humanoid robots are expected to enter the competition and set new records.
China's Plan to Make Humanoid Robots a Major Industry
China's government views humanoid robots as a strategic emerging industry TheScore. Policymakers and companies believe rapid advances in AI and hardware will let robots work in manufacturing, logistics, and consumer services within years. Lightning's record-breaking run demonstrates the technological progress already underway.
The Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics developed Lightning and other competing robots MarketScreener. These demonstrations grab global attention and show potential investors and businesses what's possible. Each achievement raises expectations for what humanoid robots can do next.
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