China launches first-ever humanoid robot games with sports, kung fu and real-world tasks

BEIJING – China has taken another bold step in the tech race by launching the world’s first humanoid robot games, which opened Friday at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval.

The event has drawn hundreds of teams from 16 nations and features over 500 humanoid robots competing in a variety of challenges—from 100-metre hurdles and basketball to medicine sorting and cleaning.

The spectacle is equal parts futuristic and entertaining. In one football match, robots stumbled and fell repeatedly, while others displayed surprising speed and coordination. Domestic robotics firm Unitree wowed the audience with androids completing a 1,500-metre run, finishing in 6 minutes 29 seconds—well behind human records but ahead of other machines.

The event highlights Beijing’s strategy to dominate AI and robotics innovation, with heavy state funding. The International Federation of Robotics noted that humanoids have been placed “at the centre of China’s national strategy.”

Parents and schools see the games as an educational opportunity. “I hope this encourages my son to learn more about new technologies,” said Cui Han, attending with her 10-year-old.

Despite tumbles in the kung fu arena—where one pint-sized bot spun helplessly after falling—the audience cheered every attempt, underscoring the growing fascination with humanoid technology.

For China, the games are not just about sport, but about showcasing global competitiveness in the robotics era.