China-made humanoid robot Tiangong Ultra ran 100 metres in 8.86 seconds during the large-size robot division semifinal at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. The time was reported as a new record and was 0.72 seconds faster than Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second human world record set in 2009.

Tiangong Ultra had already broken its own earlier record on the opening day of the event, when it completed the distance in 9.39 seconds. Developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, the robot is also reported to have achieved 38.15 seconds over 400 metres, two minutes 21.64 seconds over 1,500 metres, and a 2.88-metre high jump.

After its semifinal run, the robot was unable to control its speed beyond the finish line and struck a heavy safety mat. It fell after the collision and a small fire started in its internal components. The source says China is treating humanoid robotics as a strategic industry, combining artificial intelligence, powerful motors and advanced semiconductor technology. Tiangong Ultra was developed through a joint effort involving Chinese technology firms including Xiaomi and Baidu.