Humanoid Robot Tiangong Ultra Completes 400-Meter Run in 39.70 Seconds
The Beijing-developed humanoid robot "Tiangong Ultra" reportedly won a race by completing a 400-meter run in 39.70 seconds, which would surpass the human world record. However, this claim contains apparent technical contradictions regarding the robot's stated maximum speed of 12 km/h. While the speed metrics raise questions, the development highlights rapid advancements in the mobility and stability of full-sized, electric-drive humanoid robots. Achieving high-speed locomotion on diverse terrains is a key milestone for integrating robots into real-world human environments. Tiangong Ultra stands 180 cm tall, weighs 52 kg, and can navigate complex terrains like slopes, stairs, and gravel. Mathematically, completing 400 meters in 39.70 seconds requires an average speed of over 36 km/h, which heavily contradicts the robot's reported maximum speed of 12 km/h.
## BACKGROUND
Developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, Tiangong is recognized as the world's first full-sized humanoid robot capable of running solely on electric drive. The robot utilizes advanced techniques like State Memory-based Predictive Reinforcement Imitation Learning to achieve natural, human-like movements. It previously gained attention by winning a humanoid half-marathon in Beijing.