A major robotics sports competition has begun in Beijing, with 280 teams from 16 countries taking part in the World Humanoid Robot Games.
The three-day event, which started on Friday, features robots competing in a range of sports while researchers gather data on artificial intelligence and electronics.
Events include kickboxing, track, football, table tennis, and more. Swimming is not part of the programme. Organisers say the competition provides valuable insights into robotics technology, which could lead to future applications in industries such as manufacturing.
While some robots have shown impressive agility, others have experienced crashes and collapses. In several cases, robots were able to stand up on their own after falling.
The head-to-head matches are the main attraction for spectators, but scientists involved say the focus is on improving design, movement, and problem-solving capabilities.
Although the machines are far from replacing human athletes, experts believe continued advancements could see robots becoming far more capable in the coming decades.
