The robot was named after Jamaican track and field athlete Usain Bolt
Chinese engineers have unveiled a humanoid robot capable of running at a speed of 10 metres per second, outperforming most humans. This was reported by Guancha, a partner of TV BRICS.
The robot stands 175 cm tall and weighs 75 kg. It was named Bolt in honour of Jamaican sprint legend and eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt, who set eight world records during his career.
The humanoid was developed at the Innovation Centre for Humanoid Prototypes of Zhejiang University in eastern China in cooperation with specialised companies. A video published online shows the red-painted metallic humanoid competing against its developer on a running track. Bolt took shorter strides but moved faster.
Engineers believe they have succeeded in bringing robotic locomotion closer to natural human motor functions.
In 2025, the same team tested the quadruped robot Black Panther II, which reached a speed of 10.3 metres per second.
In August last year, Beijing hosted the first World Humanoid Robot Games, where the humanoid robot Tien Kung set a record by covering 100 metres in 21.5 seconds. The human world record in the 100 metres is held by Usain Bolt at 9.58 seconds.
Robotics is also developing rapidly in other BRICS countries, which are studying and implementing advanced technologies across various sectors and areas of daily life, from industry to public safety.
In Russia, a team of scientists from Perm Polytechnic University has developed a universal robot capable of moving inside pipelines of varying diameters. According to information published on the university’s website, this function makes it a useful tool for servicing complex sections of pipeline networks that are inaccessible to other technologies.
India has begun using its first humanoid robot at a railway station to enhance passenger safety and convenience. According to News9, a partner of TV BRICS, the robot will perform various functions, including managing passenger flow and providing information on trains and routes.
African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS
