When Robots Stretch, Sprint, and Show Off

China Minutes

When Robots Stretch, Sprint, and Show Off

Explore the World Humanoid Robot Games 2025 in Beijing, where robots from around the globe sprint, compete, and even dance.

Robots from around the world are stretching, sprinting, and showing off their moves at the World Robot Games. Ever wondered how a robot celebrates a goal, or takes a break after a sprint? From soccer kicks to dance-offs, some machines might even outshine their human coaches. Metal limbs, microchip brains — but on the field, the drive is the same: to compete, to learn, and maybe make a few new friends along the way.

World Humanoid Robot Games — On August 15, the World Humanoid Robot Games kick off at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval (Ice Ribbon). Here, robots are gearing up and waiting for their turn in the freestyle combat event. (All Photos by Han Haidan, CNS)

Robots freestyle combat — Robots face off in the freestyle combat event — metal meets motion in the ultimate showdown!

Robots soccer match — Robots take the field in a thrilling soccer match.

Robots soccer — On the soccer field, robots battle it out.

robot match — A competitor fine-tunes their robot before the big match — every adjustment could make the difference between victory and defeat.

robot freestyle combat — Staff carry a robot off the freestyle combat field.

robot running — Before the opening ceremony, robots participate in a 100-meter sprint test — racing against time and perhaps even their own programming. (Image courtesy of Zhang Xiangyi)

humanoid robot labubu — A humanoid robot wearing a LABUBU headpiece parades around the arena before the opening ceremony. (Photo credit: Zhang Xiangyi)

robots runway — At the opening ceremony, robots take the runway in a stylish costume show. (Captured by Zhang Xiangyi)

If you like this article, why not read: Over 500 Robots from 16 Nations to Compete at World Humanoid Robot Games in China