Humanoid robots made a striking appearance at China Media Group's Milan studio this week, signaling heightened anticipation for the second World Humanoid Robot Games scheduled for August 2026 in Beijing. The visit coincided with organizers launching a global "energy relay" campaign, mirroring the symbolic momentum of the Olympic torch tradition.
The inaugural 2025 Games in Beijing set historic benchmarks, featuring 280 teams from 16 countries and regions competing in 26 events. Highlights included the first 100-meter sprint by bipedal robots and precision task competitions. This year's edition promises expanded categories and technological showcases as robotics developers worldwide refine their designs.
Reigning champions from the Taiwan region and the Chinese mainland have jointly issued an open challenge to international teams, emphasizing cross-strait collaboration in advanced robotics. With six months remaining until the Games, industry analysts predict record participation from APEC members including the Republic of Korea and the DPRK.
