[Young Journalist Yeon Cheon]  In international robot competition held in Beijing, China,a humanoid robot running on two feet covered 100m in about 9.3 seconds, pouring out record that overcame human limit. This clearly shows how global robot technology is developing fast by being supported by hardware and AI advancement.

According to robot industry on the 24th, Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center’s ‘Tiangong Ultra’ recorded 9.39 seconds in ‘World Humanoid Robot Games 2026(WHRG)’ 100m qualifying round that opened in 22th. Smartphone company Honor’s ‘Lightning’ finished in 9.47 seconds. This is 0.19 seconds faster than track and field 100m world record by Jamaica’s Usain Bolt in 2008 (9.58 seconds). Compared to last year’s first winner record (21.50 seconds), the record was reduced to less than half in justone year.

In other events, there were continuous record streaks. Tiangong Robot got over human’s world record (43.03 seconds) by 38.15 seconds in 400m final round, and also beat human record (2.45m) by jumping 2.8843m in standing high jump. We can’t directly compare this record with Athletics Federation Certified Record System because the departure method, equipment, and physical condition were different, but they demonstrate advances in motor and joint design optimization and control algorithm development. There also have been limitation shown such as the robot falling over after crossing the finish line, during speed reduction process.

In this competition, 666 teams from 16 countries, with a total of 2,056 robots,participated, making it the largest competition ever. Especially, ‘scenario event’ that evaluates industry site applying ability increased its number to 21, attracting big attention. Through missions simulating real-world manufacturing, logistics, and service environments, such as powder weighing, bottle cap opening, precision manipulation with tweezers, and EV charging, they tested commercialization compatibility.

Experts say that this competition went beyond a simple demonstration of running performance and highlighted the possibility that humanoid robots integrating sensor and drive-system technologies could enter the manufacturing, logistics, and service industries as substitutes for human labor.

▶원문 기사: '우사인 볼트 앞질렀다' 100m 9초3대 주파…로봇 진화, 어디까지
 

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