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A Chinese humanoid robot developed by smartphone maker Honor has reportedly completed a 100-metre test run in 9.32 seconds, a time faster than Usain Bolt’s recognized men’s 100-metre world record of 9.58 seconds.
The robot, called Lightning, recorded the time during a preparatory test event connected to the second World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV and Reuters.
However, the result needs to be put into context. Lightning’s 9.32-second performance was a test run, not an official athletics record. The conditions and rules governing the robotic event are fundamentally different from those used for human track-and-field records.
Lightning’s Speed and Design
During the reported test, the humanoid robot reached a peak speed of 14.5 metres per second.
Lightning’s performance follows earlier demonstrations of its running capabilities. In April, the robot reportedly completed a 21-kilometre Beijing half marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds.
At the time, Lightning was approximately 169 centimetres tall and had legs measuring around 95 centimetres.
Engineers subsequently lengthened its legs by 10 centimetres to approximately 1.05 metres ahead of the Beijing humanoid robot competition, according to CCTV.
The modifications highlight how the physical design of a humanoid robot can be adjusted to improve movement and running performance.
Lightning’s Actual Result at the Robot Games
The 9.32-second test run should not be confused with Lightning’s result during the actual competition.
During the World Humanoid Robot Games, another humanoid robot, Tiangong Ultra, reportedly completed the 100 metres in 9.39 seconds and won the race.
Lightning recorded 9.47 seconds during the competition and was overtaken near the finish.
This distinction is important because the 9.32-second figure represents Lightning’s reported preparatory test performance, while its competition time was slower.
Both the 9.32-second test time and Tiangong Ultra’s 9.39-second competition time were faster than Bolt’s 9.58-second human record, but neither represents a new official human athletics record.
China’s Growing Humanoid Robot Industry
The performance comes as China continues to develop humanoid robotics as an emerging technology sector.
Companies and policymakers are investing in robots designed for potential applications including manufacturing, logistics and consumer services.
Modern humanoid robots are increasingly being developed to walk, run, manipulate objects and perform tasks in environments designed for humans.
The running performances in Beijing provide another demonstration of how quickly robotic locomotion is developing. However, sprinting speed alone does not establish how useful a humanoid robot will be in real-world applications.
Why the 100-Metre Run Matters
Running at high speed requires a humanoid robot to maintain balance, coordinate multiple joints and manage rapid changes in movement.
Lightning’s reported 9.32-second test therefore represents an engineering milestone in robotic locomotion.
At the same time, comparisons with human athletes should be treated carefully. Robots can be specifically engineered with different body proportions, motors, control systems and mechanical characteristics, making direct athletic comparisons imperfect.
The significance of the achievement is therefore primarily related to robotics and engineering, rather than human sporting performance.
Key Details
| Category | Details |
| Robot | Lightning |
| Developer | Honor |
| Type | Humanoid robot |
| Test 100m time | 9.32 seconds |
| Competition time | 9.47 seconds |
| Peak reported speed | 14.5 m/s |
| Tiangong Ultra competition time | 9.39 seconds |
| Usain Bolt’s human record | 9.58 seconds |
| Location | Beijing, China |
| Previous achievement | 21km half marathon in 50:26 |
FAQs
What is the Lightning humanoid robot?
Lightning is a humanoid robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor and designed to demonstrate advanced movement and running capabilities.
How fast did Lightning run 100 metres?
Lightning reportedly completed a preparatory 100-metre test in 9.32 seconds. During the actual robot competition, it reportedly recorded 9.47 seconds.
Did the humanoid robot officially break Usain Bolt’s record?
No. Bolt’s 9.58-second performance remains the recognized human men’s 100-metre world record. Lightning’s result was a robotic performance under different conditions.
Which robot won the 100-metre race?
Tiangong Ultra reportedly won the competition with a time of 9.39 seconds, while Lightning recorded 9.47 seconds.
What was Lightning’s previous major achievement?
In April, Lightning reportedly completed a 21-kilometre half marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds.
Conclusion
The humanoid robot Lightning has demonstrated remarkable running performance, recording a reported 9.32-second 100-metre test run before the World Humanoid Robot Games. Although the result was faster than Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second human record, it should not be described as an official athletics record.
Lightning later recorded 9.47 seconds in the competition, where Tiangong Ultra reportedly won with 9.39 seconds. Together, the performances demonstrate the rapid progress being made in humanoid robot locomotion and China’s expanding role in the development of advanced robotics.