2nd World Humanoid Robot Games set to kick off in China

The Second World Humanoid Robot Games are poised to kick off tonight in Beijing.

One of the most anticipated events is the 100-metre humanoid robot sprint, where this year’s competitors are not only running on their own – but also running significantly faster.

Among the contenders is this humanoid robot.

Standing 1.8 metres tall and weighing 80 kilogrammes, it reached a top speed of more than 11 metres per second during lab tests in April.

State media CCTV reports the secret behind its speed is a little inspiration from some of the world’s Olympic champions as it repeatedly studied athletes’ movements and race strategies in simulated environments.

Last year, many robots competing in the Games had to rely on remote control in the race.

This year, more robot “athletes” are running “autonomously.”

Events new this year include table tennis, weightlifting and jumping, with multiple scenario-based contests simulating settings such as residences and hotels.