The robot, named Superman, was developed by Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics and is equipped with artificial intelligence technology. A video showing the robot in action was shared on X.
According to the company, the robot was developed around three months ago and can reach a top running speed of 12.66 metres per second. It can also reportedly jump as high as 2 metres.
The claimed speed is faster than Usain Bolt’s average speed during his world-record 100-metre sprint in 2009. Bolt completed the race in 9.58 seconds, giving him an average speed of approximately 10.44 metres per second.
The robot reportedly stands around 5 feet 7 inches tall. Unitree said the machine demonstrates how robotics could push beyond some physical limitations associated with humans.
However, the reported performance figures have not yet been officially verified by an independent record-keeping body.
Unitree has said the robot’s performance could improve further in the coming months as development continues.
The company is expected to publicly showcase the robot on August 19, alongside the launch of its shares for public trading. The robot will also reportedly be demonstrated during the World Robot Conference, scheduled from August 19 to 23.
Unitree’s robots have previously performed strongly in robotics competitions, winning four gold medals at competitions last year.
The latest claims have drawn attention to the rapidly developing field of humanoid robotics, where companies are increasingly focusing on improving robots’ speed, balance, mobility and ability to perform human-like movements.
Whether Superman can officially establish a new speed record remains to be seen, particularly once its claimed performance is independently verified.
