'Faster Than Humans: Chinese Humanoid Robots Close in on Usain Bolt's Speed'

Challenging Human Limits: 100 Meters in 10 Seconds Becoming Reality

China Makes All-Out Investments in Humanoid and AI Industries

Around 100 Teams Set to Compete in Upcoming Beijing Half Marathon

China is making remarkable technological progress in the humanoid robot sector, which it has designated as a next-generation industry, and is shaking up the global competitive landscape. After achieving speeds close to the human world record in short-distance sprints, the competition is intensifying with new contests now focusing on long-distance running capabilities as well.

On April 13, Yonhap News reported that Chinese robotics company Unitree (Weisu Keji) released a video on social media showing its humanoid model 'H1' running on an athletics track at a speed of 10.1 meters per second.

The record set by 'H1' is close to the average speed (about 10.44 meters per second) achieved by Usain Bolt when he set the 100-meter world record (9.58 seconds) in 2009. While Unitree acknowledged the possibility of measurement device errors, they emphasized, "The actual top speed is around 10 meters per second," and stated, "We have once again broken the world record for humanoid running speed."

In this test, the head and hands were removed to reduce weight and air resistance, and conditions similar to an average adult were implemented with a height and weight of approximately 80cm leg length and 62kg, respectively. YouTube channel 'Unitree'

In this test, the head and hands were removed to reduce weight and air resistance, and the height and weight were set to approximately 80 centimeters leg length and 62 kilograms, respectively, simulating conditions similar to an average adult. Previously, CEO Wang Xingxing stated, "There is a possibility that humanoids may surpass the human world record for the 100 meters within this year." The running speed of humanoids is considered a comprehensive indicator that demonstrates balance control, joint output, and real-time computational capability.

Beijing Robot Half Marathon to Be Held on April 19... AI Autonomous Driving Competition Begins in Earnest

At the World Humanoid Games held last year, 'Tiangong Ultra' completed the 100-meter sprint in 21.5 seconds, still showing a significant gap with humans. However, recent technological advancements are rapidly closing this gap. The competition among Chinese robotics companies is expanding from short-distance to long-distance events. On April 19, Beijing will host the 2nd Humanoid Half Marathon, where around 100 teams will compete to complete the 21.0975-kilometer course.

At last year's World Humanoid Sports Games, 'Tiangong Ultra' completed the 100m sprint in 21.5 seconds. Among these, recent technological advancements are rapidly closing this gap. Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area

In the rehearsal conducted ahead of the competition, more than 70 teams participated and ran tests under real road conditions. The participating robots completed checks on route navigation, obstacle avoidance, and emergency response throughout the entire process. About 40% of all participating teams plan to compete using autonomous navigation systems without remote control.

An official from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology said, "There have been meaningful advancements in both hardware and software. This year's models have significantly reduced overheating and breakage issues through lightweight materials and structural improvements and are now capable of stable long-distance runs at speeds exceeding five meters per second."

This movement aligns with the Chinese government's strategic push to foster key industries. Through the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), China has positioned artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoids as core growth drivers and is accelerating technological self-sufficiency. Especially as U.S.-China technology competition intensifies, this reflects China's intent to develop the robotics industry as a central pillar of national competitiveness, alongside semiconductors and AI. China already boasts the world's largest industrial robot market and is rapidly expanding into the service robot and humanoid sectors. During the Lunar New Year holiday, robot performances were broadcast nationwide on state-run television, further raising public awareness.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.