Chinese Humanoid Robot Lightning Runs 100 Metres Faster Than Usain Bolt’s World Record
A humanoid robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor has reportedly run 100 metres in 9.32 seconds, beating the men’s world record held by Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The robot, named Lightning, reached a peak speed of 14.5 metres per second during a preparatory event for the second World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Saturday, according to China’s state broadcaster.
Lightning’s reported time of 9.32 seconds is faster than Bolt’s 9.58-second world record, which he set at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin.
Lightning breaks 100-metre benchmark
The robot’s performance has attracted attention because it recorded a time significantly below the current human world record.
Bolt’s 9.58-second run has stood as the men’s 100-metre world record since 2009. Lightning’s reported 9.32-second performance therefore represents a difference of 0.26 seconds.
The run took place as part of preparations for the World Humanoid Robot Games, which opened in Beijing on Saturday.
China pushes humanoid robot development
China has identified humanoid robotics as a strategic emerging industry. Government policymakers and technology companies are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced hardware.
The goal is to accelerate the use of humanoid robots across areas including manufacturing, logistics and consumer applications.
The development of robots capable of running at high speeds is also being presented as evidence of rapid progress in robotics and AI-powered machines.
Robot previously completed Beijing half marathon
Lightning has already attracted attention for its performance in long-distance running.
In April, the robot won the 21-kilometre Beijing half marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds. Its reported time was faster than the pace required for the men’s human world record over the same distance.
At the time of the half marathon, Lightning stood 169 centimetres tall and had legs measuring 95 centimetres.
Researchers have since modified the robot ahead of the World Humanoid Robot Games, increasing its leg length by 10 centimetres to 1.05 metres, China Central Television reported.
The latest performance highlights China’s growing ambitions in humanoid robotics and the rapid development of machines designed to perform increasingly complex physical tasks.
