China Opens Humanoid Robot Games With 280 Teams Competing In Sports And Practical Tasks

China opened the three-day World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Friday, according to Reuters. The games feature 280 teams from 16 countries in events ranging from sports like track and field to tasks such as sorting medicines and cleaning services. Competitors included 192 university teams and 88 private enterprises, with many using Chinese-made robots from companies. Matches saw frequent tumbles, crashes and mid-sprint collapses, but also moments of robots righting themselves, drawing applause. Organizers said the games provide valuable data for developing robots for practical uses like factory work. The event is part of China’s multibillion-dollar investment in AI and robotics, as the country seeks to address an ageing population and compete with the U.S. in advanced technologies.