BEIJING: Chinese humanoid robot Tiangong Ultra clocked 100 metres in 9.39 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Saturday, recording a faster time than Usain Bolt’s human world record of 9.58 seconds.

Developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, Tiangong Ultra won its preliminary heat on the opening day of the games.

Honor’s humanoid robot Lightning finished second in 9.47 seconds, also faster than Bolt’s record set in 2009.

The robot performances, however, cannot be compared directly with official human athletics records because they competed under different conditions and rules.

Both robots struggled after crossing the finish line. Tiangong Ultra stumbled towards the sidelines, while Lightning collapsed and had to be carried away on a stretcher.

Tiangong Ultra’s performance marked a major improvement from last year, when it completed the 100 metres in 21.50 seconds.

Earlier, Lightning had reportedly clocked 9.32 seconds in a preparatory test, reaching a peak speed of 14.5 metres per second. It also won the humanoid robot half-marathon in Beijing in 50 minutes and 26 seconds.

The 100 metres is one of 51 events at this year’s games, which also feature football, dancing and industrial-task competitions.

China has identified humanoid robots as a strategic emerging industry, with companies and policymakers focusing on their potential use in manufacturing, logistics and consumer applications.

The event has attracted 2,056 robots from 666 teams representing 16 countries and six continents, a significant increase from the inaugural competition.

The World Humanoid Robot Games are being held at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval and will continue through Wednesday.