China's humanoid robots have just proven they can run faster than the fastest humans.
Now comes the real test: can they also handle packaging and warehouse operations while reliably performing precision tasks like connecting cables designed to evaluate their ability to work like humans in less flashy jobs?
The five-day World Humanoid Robot Games, which began Saturday in Beijing, combine events modelled on human sports with those designed to test the robots in simulated factories, restaurants, offices and in emergency situations.
The games, heavily promoted in Chinese state media, feature 51 events, including 30 sports competitions and 21 scenario-based contests. More than 40% require robots to operate fully autonomously, according to Huawei, a tech partner of the games.
On Saturday, two robots ran faster than Usain Bolt's 9.58-second world record in the 100-meter sprint.
