China wrapped up the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games on 17 August after three days of competition at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval, the “Ice Ribbon.” Organisers said more than 500 robots representing 280 university and corporate teams from 16 countries took part, with tickets priced between 128 and 580 yuan (US$18–81). The event presented 26 contests spanning track-and-field, football, boxing and dance as well as scenario-based challenges such as hotel cleaning and pharmaceutical sorting. Chinese manufacturers dominated the medal table. Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics claimed four golds, including a 1,500-metre run completed in 6 minutes 34 seconds and a 400-metre time of 1 minute 28 seconds. A Unitree-built relay squad also won the 4×100 metres in 1 minute 48 seconds. The coveted 100-metre title went to the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre’s autonomous Tiangong robot, which clocked 21.5 seconds and was awarded victory under rules favouring fully self-navigating machines. ROBOTERA took the standing high-jump crown with a 95.6-centimetre leap. Despite occasional pile-ups and battery-powered collapses that drew cheers from spectators, organisers said the Games generated valuable data to improve locomotion, coordination and durability in next-generation humanoids. Beijing has poured billions of yuan into the sector as it seeks to offset labour shortages and compete with the United States in advanced robotics. City officials have already signalled plans to stage a second edition in 2026.