World Humanoid Robot Games to Take Place in Beijing with 2026 Robots

According to eWeek, the World Humanoid Robot Games will take place in Beijing from August 22 to 26 at the National Speed Skating Oval. A total of 2056 robots from 666 teams across 16 countries, including China, the US, Germany, Japan, and Brazil, are registered. China has the largest representation with 641 teams and 1975 robots from 157 companies and 200 research institutes and universities. CGTN reports that 51 competitions and 1301 matches are planned, compared to 26 competitions in the previous edition with four times fewer robots. New sports events include table tennis, weightlifting, long jump, and tug of war. Organizers have tightened autonomous control rules, banning remote control in most athletics and competitive events, and reducing the 100-meter dash time limit from three minutes to one. Scenario-based competitions increased from six to 21, spanning nine simulated environments like hotels, factories, libraries, and shopping malls. Specialized events test fine motor skills, such as cable laying and tool assembly. Jiang Guangzhi, director of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, said that once robots master 'last meter' skills, they can turn medals into orders and move from the competition arena to real workplaces.