Chinese humanoid robot beats Bolt's 100m record in Beijing trial

BEIJING, China — A humanoid robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor completed a 100-meter sprint in 9.32 seconds during preliminary tests for the Humanoid Robot World Games in Beijing, state broadcaster CCTV reported Saturday. The robot, named Lightning, reached a top speed of 14.5 meters per second during the trial, surpassing the 9.58-second men's 100m world record set by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in 2009. Honor said Lightning is equipped with sensors that monitor balance and stride mechanics during running, allowing it to maintain stable ground contact at high speed. The company said future mass-produced versions could be deployed in industrial logistics and search-and-rescue operations. Lightning is entered in the 100-meter event at this year's Humanoid Robot World Games, which runs Saturday in Beijing. Organizers said the competition will feature sprints, hurdles and football, among other categories. China's humanoid robotics sector is drawing increasing investment as Beijing backs the industry through strategic support programs, with policymakers aiming to establish the country as a global manufacturing hub for the sector over the next decade.