Chinese robot shows agility, speed in 1,500m race at humanoid robot Games

A humanoid robot of Team Tianzhuo finished a 1,500-meter race in two minutes and 21.63 seconds to claim the gold medal at the second edition of the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Sunday.

At the sound of the starting pistol, robots started running on their respective tracks with explosive acceleration. Navigating the bends with precision, each robot shifted its center of gravity swiftly inward, while maintaining smooth and coherent arm movements.

The race was marked by impressive agility and speed, culminating in Team Tianzhuo's victory as their robot breasted the tape.

"I believe robot games are definitely a platform for showcasing technology. We see that technology is evolving every year, which keeps surprising us, and we are becoming more and more confident that perhaps in the coming years, we'll see these robots helping and serving us in daily life," said Kang Tianyu, a spectator.

The second World Humanoid Robot Games opened in Beijing at the National Speed Skating Oval on Saturday, with the participation of 666 teams and 2,056 robots from 16 countries.

The event, running through August 26, features 51 competitions and more than 1,300 matches.

At a 100-meter preliminary race in the opening event, Team Tianzhuo clocked 9.39 seconds to take the first place in a time well ahead of the previous Games' record and the fastest human Usain Bolt's 9.58 world record.

Chinese robot shows agility, speed in 1,500m race at humanoid robot Games

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday requested at least another 70 billion euros (78.8 billion U.S. dollars) in European Union (EU) assistance for 2027, while expressing frustration over recent restrictions on U.S.-controlled Starlink services and Washington's dealings with Moscow.

Addressing EU leaders at a summit in Brussels, Zelensky said Ukraine's costs related to the war would reach 155 billion euros next year and appealed for additional funding for defense, weapons and resilience.

"We need at least 70 billion euros more from you -- for defense, for weapons, and for our resilience. This is a realistic amount. And I ask you to find this support," he said.

At a subsequent press conference, Zelensky acknowledged Ukraine's heavy reliance on the U.S.-controlled Starlink satellite communications system, saying recent restrictions had disrupted drone interceptions and military logistics.

"Starlink was not turned off, but the speed limits were lowered," he said, describing the restrictions as a "very dangerous and unpleasant surprise."

Zelensky also criticized Washington's recent diesel agreement with Moscow and the easing of sanctions, saying Ukraine had not been informed in advance, while adding that Ukrainian and American negotiating teams remained in contact.

Zelensky seeks additional 70 bln euros from EU, voices frustration with U.S.