A humanoid robot developed in China has surpassed Usain Bolt’s longstanding world record for the 100-meter sprint, completing the distance in 8.64 seconds. The achievement, announced this week in Beijing, marks a significant milestone in robotics, demonstrating speeds and mechanical capabilities beyond those of elite human athletes. The robot, named Tiangong Ultra, averaged nearly 42 kilometers per hour (26 miles per hour) over the course.

Experts in sports science and robotics noted that while the robot’s time eclipsed Bolt’s 9.58-second record set in 2009, the manner in which Tiangong Ultra runs differs fundamentally from human biomechanics. Unlike Bolt’s explosive start from a crouched position using starting blocks, the robot begins the race from an upright stance and delayed its initial movement by almost a full second in its first record attempt. “If they could use starting blocks, I could see them getting a lot faster,” said Iain Hunter, a professor of exercise science at Brigham Young University.

The robot’s developer confirmed enhancements in the machine’s torso and waist areas to reduce weight and mechanical resistance. Improvements were also made to its motors, range of motion, and control algorithms. Tiangong Ultra’s running style features a higher cadence with more frequent steps—over 50 compared to Bolt’s 41—executed at a faster rate, resulting in its superior speed despite shorter strides. Robotics experts observe that this gait seems optimized for the robot’s motor capabilities rather than an attempt to imitate human sprinting patterns.

Human sprinters generate power through the complex interaction of muscles, tendons, and flexible joints, subject to fatigue particularly in the final 20 meters of a race. In contrast, electric motors powering Tiangong Ultra provide continuous rotational force that does not degrade over a short sprint. “Because the robot isn’t constrained like that, it’s going to be able to keep going,” said Matt Bundle, a biomechanics expert from the University of Montana.

However, the robot’s lack of agility and decision-making remains a notable limitation. During its record-breaking run, Tiangong Ultra maintained top speed through the finish but crashed into a padded wall, highlighting its inability to decelerate or change course independently. Specialists suggest that future advancements in robotic turning ability, spatial awareness, and autonomous control would be more significant indicators of progress than speed alone.

“Changing direction or running and making a decision like, ‘I won’t run into this,’ and decelerating and reducing the robot’s speed. We haven’t seen this yet,” said Parunchaya Jamkrajang, a sports scientist at Mahidol University in Thailand. While Tiangong Ultra’s achievement pushes the boundaries of robotic speed, researchers emphasize that matching the complexity and adaptability of human movement remains an ongoing challenge.