2026-08-19 11:00:09

Chinese robotics firm Unitree claims its new humanoid robot can run faster than Usain Bolt.

The company unveiled its ‘Superman’ robot on Monday (17.08.26), saying it can reach a top speed of 12.66 metres per second.

That would put the robot ahead of the roughly 12.4m/s peak speed Bolt reached during his 9.58-second 100m world record in 2009.

Unitree said ‘Superman’ could cover 100 metres in about 7.9 seconds if it maintained its maximum speed throughout the race.

It also claimed the robot can jump two metres vertically, exceeding the human standing high-jump record.

However, the claims have not been independently verified.

Humanoid robots are also known for impressive demonstrations that do not necessarily reflect how reliably they can operate in real-world environments.

The unveiling comes as Unitree prepares to list on Shanghai’s STAR Market, in a major moment for China’s rapidly expanding robotics industry.

The company priced its initial public offering at 150.80 yuan per share, valuing it at about $9 billion.

The offering raised around $900 million and attracted huge demand from retail investors.

Unitree has become one of China’s best-known humanoid robot makers, producing machines ranging from the relatively affordable G1 to larger industrial models.

Its robots have also gained attention through demonstrations involving backflips, martial arts and other athletic movements.

The company’s progress reflects China’s push to develop embodied AI, combining artificial intelligence with machines capable of interacting with the physical world.

Unitree said it shipped nearly 6,000 humanoid robots during the first half of 2026, according to industry data cited in reports.

But humanoid robots remain at an early stage. Reliability, autonomy, battery life and cost continue to limit their use outside controlled environments.

Unitree is also competing with major international manufacturers.

Tesla is developing its Optimus humanoid, while Boston Dynamics continues work on its Atlas robot.

For now, ‘Superman’s’ claimed speed is likely to remain a striking demonstration rather than evidence that humanoid robots are ready to replace human workers or athletes.

But if Unitree’s figures withstand independent testing, the robot could offer another indication of just how quickly China’s humanoid robotics industry is advancing.

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