Weightlifting Robot Collapses Onto Judges' Table at Beijing Games
The World Humanoid Robot Games also saw a robot break Usain Bolt's 100m record, while another crashed during a half-marathon rehearsal.
A humanoid robot participating in the weightlifting finals at the World Humanoid Robot Games (WHRG) in Beijing collapsed onto a judges' table on Monday, requiring staff to escort it off the premises on a stretcher.
The incident occurred as the robot attempted to lift a weight, beginning to shake and ultimately dropping the weight before losing stability and falling headfirst. Officials immediately halted the competition and declared the attempt invalid.
The WHRG, in its second edition, features a variety of competitions modeled on human sports and task-based events. This year's event includes disciplines such as boxing, high-jump, Thai Chi, and table tennis, alongside weightlifting. Over 2,000 robots participated on the opening day, with 96 percent of the teams hailing from China, though 16 countries are represented overall.
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The competition has also witnessed other dramatic events. One robot reportedly surpassed Usain Bolt's 100-meter world record, completing the distance in 9.39 seconds, faster than Bolt's record of 9.58 seconds. Elsewhere, a robot performed Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Siuuu' celebration on a football pitch, and units participated in a synchronized march during the opening ceremony.
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However, the games have also highlighted the current limitations of robotic performance. During a rehearsal for Beijing's first humanoid half-marathon on April 19, another robot tripped and disintegrated, with its remains being carried off by paramedics. The practice session involved over 70 teams testing navigation, timing, and emergency response protocols.
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Beyond the games, recent advancements in Chinese robotics include a prototype named 'Superman,' developed by Unitree. This robot allegedly reached speeds of 12.66 meters per second, exceeding Bolt's record speed. It also demonstrated a vertical standing jump of two meters, surpassing the human world record.
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Developments in humanoid robot technology in China are part of a broader national strategy to advance in science and technology. A report by Omdia identified three Chinese companies—AGIBOT, Unitree Robotics, and UBTech Robotics Corp—as leading vendors in the global market for general-purpose embodied intelligent robots, with significant shipment numbers in the past year.