Chinese robots tackle tennis, smash track records at World Humanoid Robot Games

During the second World Humanoid Robot Games, which opened on Saturday night at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval, humanoid robots demonstrated their prowess in various sports. One standout performance was the tennis match between humanoid robots and human players, organized by Beijing-based Galbot. The robots engaged in singles and mixed-doubles matches, showcasing their ability to track balls, predict landing locations, and execute precise strokes—all within seconds.

However, the robots were not invincible; one robot momentarily lost balance while chasing a ball and toppled backwards, only to recover and continue. Other robots set new records in track events. A Tien Kung robot won the 400-meter large-robot race final in 38.15 seconds, breaking the human men’s world record of 43.03 seconds. The 100-meter sprint saw the Tien Kung Ultra robot clock a time of 9.39 seconds, surpassing Usain Bolt’s world record of 9.58 seconds.

Despite these achievements, the competition highlighted the challenges humanoid robots face. During a football match, a robot accidentally knocked over one of its teammates. On the running track, robots that fell during races were either carried away by staff on stretchers or wheeled away in wheelchairs. The games also featured new competitions in table tennis and kickboxing, with scenario-based tasks expanded to include industrial production, hotel services, home environments, and logistics.

As AI computing becomes increasingly integrated into these robots, battery consumption has become a significant concern. Experts predict that the demand for AI processing will only intensify as robots operate more autonomously, making reliable network coverage essential for their continued advancement.