The second World Humanoid Robot Games concluded this week in Beijing, featuring a range of competitions that showcased both technical progress and frequent mechanical failures. The five‑day event, which ended on Thursday, attracted more than 600 participants, most of whom were Chinese.

The competition, first held in 2023, was staged at the National Speed Skating Oval, a former Olympic venue, and included events such as sprinting, weightlifting, football, and specialized tasks like bed‑making and parcel delivery.

Robots demonstrated improved speed and height, with one competitor completing the 100‑meter sprint in 9.39 seconds and another achieving a standing high jump of 2.88 meters, surpassing previous records. However, many robots experienced malfunctions, including a leg loss during a sprint, a fire incident, and several falls that required removal from the arena. While some events operated autonomously, others permitted teleoperation with a scoring penalty, indicating varying degrees of autonomy.

Chinese teams dominated the medal table, with AgiBot and Tien Kung winning the most medals, a result driven largely by the large share of domestic participants. Beijing has not confirmed a third games, but the government has announced plans for a humanoid half‑marathon in April and the country’s first robot‑run hotel slated for next year, suggesting continued investment in the sector.