A historic milestone in robotics has been reached in Beijing as the humanoid robot 'Lightning' shattered Usain Bolt’s legendary 100-meter world record. During testing for the second World Humanoid Robot Games, the machine, developed by Chinese tech giant Honor, clocked a time of 9.32 seconds, surpassing Bolt’s 2009 mark of 9.58 seconds.
Engineering Human-Surpassing Speed
To reach a top speed of 14.5 meters per second, researchers implemented specific mechanical upgrades. The robot's legs were lengthened by 10 centimeters, reaching a total length of 1.05 meters. This modification provided the necessary stride to outpace the fastest human in history.
Reported by China’s state broadcaster (CCTV), this achievement underscores Beijing's aggressive national strategy regarding humanoid robotics. The government is betting heavily on these machines for future applications in industry and logistics, viewing them as a cornerstone of technological advancement.
A Versatile Athlete
The 100m sprint is not the first record claimed by this model. In April, 'Lightning' won the Beijing Half Marathon, finishing the 21-kilometer course in 50 minutes and 26 seconds. This pace was significantly faster than the world records held by elite male athletes, signaling a new era where mechanical endurance and speed begin to redefine the limits of physical performance.
