Beijing to host world's first humanoid robot games

Beijing will host the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games from Aug 15 to 17, city officials announced on Wednesday, marking a new milestone in the integration of robotics into real-world settings.

The competition, part of the 2025 World Robot Conference, will take place at the National Stadium and the National Speed Skating Oval. It will be the first global sporting event dedicated solely to humanoid robots.

Organizers said the games will feature 19 events across three main categories — athletic competitions, performance showcases and scenario-based challenges — designed to test robots' agility, coordination and practical skills.

Modeled on traditional human sports, the athletic events will include sprints, the long jump, gymnastics and small-team soccer matches. Performance events will feature solo and group robot dances, while scenario-based events will simulate hospital, industrial and hospitality tasks such as drug sorting, material handling and concierge services.

Three additional "peripheral events" featuring non-humanoid robots playing basketball, table tennis and badminton will add an interactive and entertaining element to the program.

Jiang Guangzhi, director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, said each participating robot should be independent without subunits or marks on the game field.

The robots should also be self-powered without using any hazardous energy sources. And during the competition, each participating team must provide its own internet connection.

"There are many challenges for robot technology innovation, product upgrades and applications," Jiang said. "It is imperative to strengthen global exchanges and cooperation and enhance interaction and collaboration among research, industry and end-users. That's why we held the world humanoid robot half-marathon and will hold the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games," he said.

Organizers said the goal is to exhibit the latest advances in robotics while promoting broader applications in everyday life and fostering technological progress in fields such as artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering and sensor design.

Wednesday marked 100 days until the opening ceremony.

wangsongsong@chinadaily.com.cn