Chinese robots beat Usain Bolt’s 100m world record—then crash into a wall
📡 Sydney Morning Herald / The Age · 1 min read ·
Part of composite article Chinese Robots Smash Bolt’s 100m Record—Then Slam Into a Wall View full article →
Two humanoid robots have shattered Usain Bolt’s 100m world record, but their victory came with a hard stop.
The machines, competing at the Beijing games, crossed the finish line in under 9.58 seconds—Bolt’s iconic time from 2009.
However, the “runners” lacked the Jamaican sprinter’s flair. Instead of celebrating, they slammed straight into a thick mat designed to stop them in their tracks.
Organizers said the robots were built for speed, not style. The crash was intentional, part of the safety setup to prevent the machines from running beyond the track.
Despite the awkward finish, the feat marks a milestone in robotics, showing that machines can now outpace the fastest human ever recorded.
No word yet on whether Bolt will accept a rematch.