The race was part of the World Humanoid Robot Games, an Olympic-style competition in Beijing that showcases China’s rapid advances in robotics amid growing rivalry with the U.S.

Chinese humanoid robot Tiangong Ultra clocked 9.39 seconds in Beijing, surpassing Usain Bolt’s 100-meter world record.

Braking was an issue, as the machines slammed into a thick mat that organizers placed several meters after the finish line.

Beijing event highlights rapid gains in AI-driven mobility systems