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Scenes From the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games

More than 600 teams brought 2,000 robots to Beijing for the second edition of this annual competition, where humanoid robots compete in a wide variety of events, including athletics and household tasks.

Scenes From the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games

On August 22, 2026, the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games took place at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, China. The event featured robots from various countries demonstrating their capabilities in different competitions.

One notable moment was when "Blitz," a robot from the Chinese cellphone manufacturer Honor, took an oath at the ceremony. Robots also participated in a parade, playing drums, and performing during the opening ceremony.

During day two of the games, robots competed in a 1500m event and participated in the lightweight combat event. In the lightweight combat event, a robot named "Galbot G1" performed during a rehearsal.

The event also included a dexterous hand-block building contest, where robots showcased their ability to stack blocks. Additionally, robots played football and tennis matches, with one robot even celebrating after scoring a goal.

After a 100m preliminary run, a robot named "Blitz" was placed on a stretcher, suggesting an injury occurred during the competition. Firefighters were seen dousing a burning robot competitor after a 100m large-size group preliminary race.

Technicians were seen guiding robots during rehearsals, ensuring they were prepared for the main event. The 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing showcased the advanced capabilities of humanoid robots in various competitions.

Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Read the original at theatlantic.com →

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