China organised Olympic Games for robots — and it turned out hilarious

If you thought kickboxing was only for humans, think again. In Beijing, robots are stepping into the ring, to the delight of thousands of spectators. The inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games offered a glimpse of futuristic sport, as well as a window into China's ambitions in artificial intelligence.

The event, held in the National Speed Skating Oval, brought together teams from China's top universities. Robots competed in kickboxing, football, athletics, and even dance. Some dazzled, others fell apart. One 'athlete' dropped out of a race when its head flew off. The spectacle was equal parts innovation and slapstick.

Behind the fun and games though, there is a serious message — Beijing is keen to present itself as a leader in robotics, a field it sees as central to artificial intelligence and the future economy. The government has poured billions into the sector, and banks have pledged huge sums to back AI development. The games fit neatly into that ambition, showing both progress and confidence.

Chinese firms such as UBTech and Unitree Robotics are narrowing the gap with global leaders like Tesla and Boston Dynamics. With lower costs and strong supply chains, they are well placed to push humanoid robots into factories and care homes. Officials also point to the country's ageing population, suggesting robots could support older people or take over routine jobs.

But these robots are not without their limits — they can punch but struggle with stairs. They can race but not reliably make a bed. Safety, dexterity and the complexity of human environments remain major hurdles. Experts suggest that the path from a sports arena to daily life will be long.

For now, the games succeed as theatre. China's humanoids may not yet be ready to fold laundry, but they can certainly put on a show.