China's humanoid robot inches closer to Usain Bolt-like speed on track

Video: China’s humanoid robot reaches 10 m/s sprint, edges closer to Usain Bolt’s record Experts indicate humanoid robots may break the 10-second 100-meter barrier by mid-2026. Unitree Robotics has released a video showing its H1 humanoid robot reaching a sprint speed of up to 10 meters per second, claiming a new world record. Tested on an athletics track, the robot recorded 10.1 meters per second as it passed a speed-measurement device, though the company noted a possible measurement error. The H1 features a combined thigh and calf length of 80 centimeters. It weighs around 136 pounds (62 kilograms), comparable to an average human, with captions describing it as achieving world champion-level running speed. Last week, Unitree revealed plans to launch its affordable $4K sport-ready R1 humanoid globally via AliExpress, targeting North America, Europe, Japan, and Singapore. Sprinting humanoids surge Unitree demonstrated its H1 humanoid robot sprinting on an athletics track, where a speed measuring device recorded 10.1 meters per second, though the company noted potential measurement error. In a video shared on YouTube by Unitree Robotics, the robot is described as having a human-like physique while achieving world champion-level running speed. It features a total leg length of 0.8 meters and weighs about 136 pounds (62 kilograms). The performance approaches the average speed of about 10.44 meters per second set by Usain Bolt during his men’s 100-meter world record of 9.58 seconds in 2009. The company indicated that humanoid robots could potentially break the 10-second barrier in the 100-meter dash by mid-2026, reports the Global Times (GT). At the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games, the Tien Kung Ultra robot, developed by the National and Local Co-built Embodied AI Robotics Innovation Center, won the 100-meter race in 21.50 seconds, outperforming competing H1 robots. The same robot also completed the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes in April 2025. Meanwhile, MirrorMe introduced a full-size humanoid robot named Bolt in February 2026. Standing 175 centimeters tall and weighing 75 kilograms, it is capable of reaching a peak running speed of 10 meters per second, highlighting rapid advances in humanoid robot mobility, reports GT. Fastest robot ever In March 2024, Unitree’s H1 V3.0 Evolution humanoid set a Guinness World Record as the fastest full-sized humanoid robot. A company video showed it reaching a walking speed of 7.38 mph (3.3 m/s) on a flat surface. The firm attributes this to an advanced powertrain enabling high speed and flexibility. The previous record was held by Boston Dynamics’s Atlas at 5.59 mph (2.5 m/s). The robot is powered by a proprietary gear train and in-house high-torque joint motors, supported by a 15 Ah battery with a capacity of 0.863 kWh. The humanoid is equipped with advanced perception systems, including a depth camera and a 3D LiDAR sensor, enabling it to interpret and navigate its surroundings. Its mechanical design includes five degrees of freedom in each leg and four in each arm, allowing for flexible and stable movement. According to Unitree Robotics, the first version of its H1 humanoid could walk at 3.4 mph (1.51 m/s), matching a typical human pace. In promotional videos, the robot is seen maintaining stability even when kicked while moving, consistently regaining its balance after each disturbance. The second Humanoid Robot Half Marathon will be held on April 19. Ahead of the event, more than 70 teams conducted overnight test runs on the track in Beijing’s Economic-Technological Development Area. Analysts expect multiple humanoid robots to compete simultaneously, reports GT. Recommended Articles Jijo is an automotive and business journalist based in India. Armed with a BA in History (Honors) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and a PG diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, he has worked for news agencies, national newspapers, and automotive magazines. In his spare time, he likes to go off-roading, engage in political discourse, travel, and teach languages. - 11,000x faster growth: China advances wafer-scale 2D chips with ultra-fast synthesis technique - 2Chinese automaker’s new EV offers dual rear motors, 800V fast-charging capability - 3Engineered wood converts sunlight into heat, supplies solar power even in darkness - 4US to boost production of submarine-detection devices that could decide battle outcome - 5China develops crystal that could enable GPS-free navigation for submarines, missiles Check our Section! Exclusive content, expert insights and a deeper dive into engineering and tech. No ads, no limits. WEAR YOUR GENIUS Shop NowJOBS See AllCheck our Section! Exclusive content, expert insights and a deeper dive into engineering and tech. No ads, no limits.