The inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games recently took place at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing.

A team led by Associate Professor He KONG from the School of Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing (AiM) at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) earned third place in the solo dance event, showcasing their outstanding technical expertise and innovation.

The games mark the world’s first large-scale sports competition dedicated to humanoid robots. This year’s competition brought together 280 teams and more than 500 robots from 16 countries across five continents, competing in 26 events.

In the solo dance event, the SUSTech team presented a smooth and dynamic performance that blended elements of breaking, popping, jazz, and other dance styles, earning them a spot on the podium.

In addition, SUSTech impressed in the 100-meter sprint, which featured 90 robot teams from around the globe. This event tested gait, explosive power, and dynamic balance at the highest level. SUSTech’s entry won its heat and advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to a core algorithm developed over three months of intensive work.

Team members Zhijie LIU and Zongbiao WENG explained that extensive simulations and repeated on-site testing allowed them to optimize gait and explosive power, giving their robot an edge.

These achievements underscore SUSTech’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and robotics while cultivating innovation through hands-on practice.