World Humanoid Robot Games Showcase Record‑Breaking Speed but Highlight Safety Limits

The second World Humanoid Robot Games, held in Beijing from August 22‑26, saw humanoid robots sprint faster than Usain Bolt’s 100‑meter record, yet many also crashed into barriers, fell, and in some cases broke apart or caught fire. Competitors performed a range of tasks—kung‑fu, dance, kickboxing, soccer, table tennis, and even laundry chores—demonstrating both advanced athleticism and practical limitations. The event, organized by Chinese state media and the Beijing city government, followed the inaugural 2025 edition and aims to showcase the commercial potential of humanoid robots amid China’s rapidly growing robotics sector. The mixed results underscore the technology’s promise and the safety challenges that remain.