China’s humanoid robots have taken centre stage in the World Humanoid Robot Games, breaking records and breaking down in equal measure. From sprinting at breakneck speed to tumbling into flames, the spectacle is as impressive as it is chaotic.

The five-day event, held in Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval, showcased both familiar and unusual competitions, including sprinting, football, and bed-making. While the performances were remarkable, the reality of their application in the real world remains questionable.

Despite the progress, many tasks required human assistance, indicating that the technology still has a long way to go before it can operate reliably in everyday settings. The government’s enthusiasm for the industry is clear, with plans for more events and the opening of a robot-run hotel next year.

However, the dominance of Chinese companies and the absence of major Western players raise questions about the global competitiveness of the industry. As the race for embodied AI heats up, the world watches to see if China will maintain its lead or if the US will catch up.