Robot outruns Usain Bolt’s 100m record

The update

A humanoid robot named Lightning, developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, has run 100 meters in 9.32 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. The robot reached a peak speed of 14.5 meters per second during the event, surpassing the 9.58-second world record set by Usain Bolt in 2009.

Why it matters

This achievement marks a significant milestone in robotics, demonstrating that machines can now outperform elite human athletes in sprinting. The event, which opened in Beijing on Saturday, includes events like boxing, football, and household tasks, highlighting the growing capabilities of humanoid robots. China has been promoting robotics as a strategic industry, with policymakers and companies investing heavily in AI and hardware advancements.

What to watch

Observers will be interested to see if this performance is replicated in official competition or remains a preparatory test. The robot’s leg length was extended to 1.05 meters before the games, and its previous half-marathon win suggests rapid development. Independent verification of the race conditions and timing methods will be important to confirm the achievement.

Sources

• aljazeera.com — Robot name (Lightning), 100m time (9.32s), peak speed (14.5m/s), event details (Beijing, World Humanoid Robot Games).
• bbc.co.uk — Manufacturer (Honor), robot description (black and red), context of robot games (boxing, football, household tasks).