Humanoid Robots Smash Usain Bolt's 100-Meter Record

Humanoid robots have shattered Usain Bolt's legendary 100-meter world record—though with a literal 'smash,' as they can't stop without crashing into a padded barrier. This milestone, achieved in 2026, marks a leap forward in bipedal locomotion and control systems. While Bolt's 9.58 seconds remains the human benchmark, these machines demonstrate unprecedented speed and agility, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in robotics. The breakthrough highlights rapid advancements in actuator technology and real-time balance algorithms, though the need for a crash pad underscores the challenges still ahead in achieving graceful deceleration. As robots race closer to human athletic performance, experts debate the implications for sports, automation, and our understanding of physical limits.

via The Verge