Humanoid Robots Take Center Stage at Beijing Games
BEIJING — The first day of the World Humanoid Robot Games saw robots from around the globe compete in sports and practical challenges, drawing crowds eager to witness the future of robotics in action.
Teams came from countries including the United States, Germany, and Brazil, with 192 representing universities and 88 from private companies such as China’s Unitree and Fourier Intelligence. Many competitors used robots manufactured by Chinese firms, including Booster Robotics.
“We come here to play and to win. But we are also interested in research,” said Max Polter of Germany’s HTWK Robots football team, affiliated with Leipzig University of Applied Sciences. “You can test a lot of interesting new approaches in this contest. If we try something and it doesn’t work, we lose the game. That’s sad, but it’s better than investing a lot of money into a product that fails.”
Spectators witnessed robots tackling both traditional sports and robot-specific tasks, from football and table tennis to sorting medicines and performing cleaning duties. On the football field, robots repeatedly crashed into each other, sometimes collapsing in tangled heaps. During the 1500-meter running event, one robot toppled mid-sprint, drawing gasps and cheers from the audience.
Despite frequent tumbles, many robots managed to stand on their own, earning applause. Organizers said the games offer invaluable opportunities to gather data for practical applications, such as factory work. Football matches, for example, train robots’ coordination—a skill that could be applied to assembly line operations requiring teamwork between multiple units.
China is investing billions into humanoid robotics as it faces an ageing population and intensifying competition with the U.S. over advanced technologies. The country has recently hosted a series of high-profile robotics events, including what it called the world’s first humanoid robot marathon, a robot-focused conference, and the opening of retail stores dedicated to humanoid robots.
Morgan Stanley analysts recently noted that attendance at China’s robot conference surged among the general public compared to previous years, highlighting “how China, not just top government officials, has embraced the concept of embodied intelligence.”
Tickets for the event ranged from 128 to 580 yuan ($17.83–$80.77), giving audiences an up-close look at a glimpse of the robotic future.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.