Robot Jumps 7.97 Meters, Nearly Reaching Human World Record

The latest World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing delivered a performance that shows just how far robot athletics have progressed. In the long jump final on August 23, the Tianjiao team’s humanoid robot captured gold after reaching an impressive distance of 7.97 meters.

Tianjiao used a running approach to build speed before taking off and flying toward the landing area. The final distance would attract attention even when placed alongside performances from highly trained human athletes.

There was strong competition for the remaining medals. Tianzhuo earned silver with a 7.24 meter jump, while Tiangong reached 7.19 meters to secure bronze.

The human comparison makes Tianjiao’s achievement even more interesting. Mike Powell set the men’s long jump world record at 8.95 meters in 1991. Tianjiao’s 7.97 meter result therefore came within just 0.98 meters of the human world record.

These long jump machines also have a distinctive appearance compared with many humanoid robots competing in other events. They use slimmer bodies designed around the demands of running and jumping. Tianjiao reportedly increased its distance over its attempts before producing the winning 7.97 meter performance.

With robot movement and athletic ability progressing so rapidly, events like this are making the comparison between human and robotic physical performance increasingly fascinating.