A Chinese-made humanoid robot named ‘Lightning’ has reportedly clocked a 100-metre sprint in just 9.32 seconds, setting a new record during a test ahead of the second World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.
According to CGTN, the robot’s time is faster than Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt’s official 100m world record of 9.58 seconds, set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.
A spokesperson for Chinese smart-device brand Honor said ‘Lightning’ reached a top speed of 14.5 metres per second during the test, demonstrating its ability to perform high-speed running ahead of the five-day competition.
The humanoid robot is scheduled to compete in the 100m, 400m and 1,500m events at the tournament, which runs from Aug 22 to 26.
The event will feature humanoid robots from around the world competing in various sporting disciplines, including long jump, weightlifting and tennis, while showcasing advances in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
Despite the impressive timing, ‘Lightning’s’ performance cannot be directly recognised as an athletics world record under human sporting regulations. Bolt’s 9.58-second run remains the official men’s 100m world record recognised by World Athletics.
