Robots outrun world’s fastest humans, but everyday work poses the bigger challenge

China's humanoid robots have demonstrated that they can surpass the speed of the world's fastest humans — but the greater challenge may be whether they can perform everyday tasks reliably in the workplace. The World Humanoid Robot Games, which opened in Beijing on Saturday, featured 51 events, including 30 sports competitions and 21 scenario-based challenges. Over 40% of the events required robots to operate autonomously, according to technology partner Huawei.

Two robots ran faster than Usain Bolt's 9.58-second 100-metre world record, with one completing the distance in just 39.7 seconds. However, braking remained a concern, as the machines frequently crashed into a safety mat positioned several meters beyond the finish line. Another humanoid robot, based on the same model, finished the 400 metres in 39.7 seconds, outpacing South African sprinter Wayde van Niekerk's 43.03-second world record.

While the competition showcased impressive feats of speed, the robots struggled with minor imperfections in the physical world. These challenges include connecting cables, handling packages, and operating in varying conditions, such as a cable at the wrong angle, an object just beyond reach, or a shifting package. Experts believe that only when robots can accurately identify objects, position their hands and bodies, apply the right amount of force, and recover from mistakes without human intervention will they have true value.