The World Humanoid Robot Games took place in Beijing, China, from August 22 to August 26, 2026. The event featured over 600 teams and more than 2,000 robots from various countries, highlighting advancements in humanoid robotics. Notable performances included the Tiangong Ultra robot completing a 100-meter dash in 8.86 seconds and another robot, Lightning, achieving a time of 9.32 seconds, both surpassing Usain Bolt's human world record of 9.58 seconds. The Tiangong robot also won the long jump with a distance of 7.97 meters.
The games included various competitions, such as table tennis against an Olympic champion, soccer, weightlifting, and cheerleading routines. Some challenges were designed to test the robots' cognitive abilities, such as plugging cables into sockets and disposing of trash. Stefanie Tellex, a roboticist at Brown University, noted the advancements in robot hardware and algorithms that allow for dynamic balance and movement.
Despite some robots being remotely operated, the event showcased significant progress in robotic dexterity, with tasks like tweezer bean picking reflecting China's interest in automating labor-intensive jobs. Galbot, a participating company, emphasized the importance of developing robots capable of functioning in real-world environments. Chris Atkeson, a roboticist at Carnegie Mellon University, expressed admiration for the enthusiasm for science and engineering displayed at the event.