{
  "id": 2772257,
  "title": "Chinese robots tackle tennis, smash track records at World Humanoid Robot Games",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/chinese-robots-tackle-tennis-smash-track-records-at-world-humanoid",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-23T10:52:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3364977/chinese-robots-tackle-tennis-smash-track-records-world-humanoid-robot-games"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "A tennis ball flew across the net. On the other side, a humanoid robot crouched, shuffled sideways in a series of quick steps, adjusted its position and swung its racquet to send the ball back. The robot traded forehands and backhands with human players during singles and mixed-doubles demonstrations. At one point, while chasing a ball, it lost its balance and toppled backwards, drawing gasps…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 9,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Technology",
        "title": "Robot horse and rider steal the spotlight at Chinese conference",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/robot-horse-and-rider-steal-the-spotlight-at-chinese-conference",
        "published": "2026-08-22T12:47:28.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Chinese humanoid robots smash human records in 100m sprint and high jump at Beijing robot games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/chinese-humanoid-robots-smash-human-records-in-100m-sprint-and-high",
        "published": "2026-08-22T16:17:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Chinese humanoid robots smash human records in 100m sprint and high jump at Beijing robot games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/chinese-humanoid-robots-smash-human-records-in-100m-sprint-and-high-2615701",
        "published": "2026-08-22T16:36:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Qatar Tribune Business",
        "title": "Chinese humanoid robots smash human records in 100m sprint and high jump",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/chinese-humanoid-robots-smash-human-records-in-100m-sprint-and-high-2662313",
        "published": "2026-08-22T21:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "SCMP Tech",
        "title": "Are humanoid robots the future? Chinese makers instead highlight practical design",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/are-humanoid-robots-the-future-chinese-makers-instead-highlight",
        "published": "2026-08-23T03:00:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu - Sci-Tech",
        "title": "Chinese humanoid robots smash human records in 100m sprint and high jump at Beijing robot games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/chinese-humanoid-robots-smash-human-records-in-100m-sprint-and-high",
        "published": "2026-08-23T05:24:34.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Mainichi",
        "title": "Chinese humanoid robots smash human records in 100m sprint and high jump at Beijing robot games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/chinese-humanoid-robots-smash-human-records-in-100m-sprint-and-high-2745992",
        "published": "2026-08-23T08:00:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "Chinese humanoid robot beats Bolt's 100-metre world record time",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/chinese-humanoid-robot-beats-bolts-100-metre-world-record-time",
        "published": "2026-08-23T09:59:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}