Chinese Robot 'Bolt' Achieves 10 m/s Sprint, Outpacing Humans and Signaling BRICS Robotics Advancement

Daily Technology

09/02/2026

A groundbreaking development in robotics has emerged from China, with the unveiling of "Bolt," a human-sized humanoid robot capable of sprinting at an astonishing 10 meters per second. Developed by a team at Zhejiang University, Bolt's speed surpasses that of most humans, marking a significant leap in robotic locomotion and dynamic balance.

Key Takeaways

"Bolt" robot achieves a top speed of 10 m/s, exceeding human capabilities.
Zhejiang University team highlights advanced balance and propulsion systems.
BRICS nations showcase diverse robotics advancements: Russia's pipe-crawlers, India's crowd-managing humanoids, and China's deep-sea driller.
The development builds on momentum from the 2025 Beijing Humanoid Games.
Global concerns rise regarding automation's impact on jobs and the widening tech gap.

Bolt's Supersonic Stride

The "Bolt" robot is the product of a collaboration between Zhejiang University's innovation institute and various firms. Its design incorporates significant advancements in locomotion, stability, and high-power propulsion systems. This achievement follows the success of the "Tien Kung" robot, which won the 100m race at the 2025 Beijing Humanoid Games with a time of 21.5 seconds, indicating a rapid progression in the field.

BRICS Robotics Sprint

"Bolt's" debut coincides with a broader surge in robotics innovation within the BRICS nations. China is also developing a 3D deep-sea driller for seabed monitoring, as reported by CGTN. Russia, specifically from Perm, has introduced pipe-crawling robots capable of navigating varying pipe diameters. India is deploying humanoid robots in public spaces for crowd management, according to News9. These advancements highlight a growing synergy among BRICS countries in leveraging robotics for industrial and public safety applications.

Drivers of the Leap

China's significant investment, including a post-pandemic $137 billion push into robotics, is a key driver behind these advancements. This surge positions BRICS as a formidable competitor against the established robotics leadership of the US and Japan. Setbacks in Western chip and supply chains have also created opportunities for BRICS nations to accelerate their progress.

Analysis and Context

The rapid development of robots like "Bolt" raises significant global economic and social questions. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that automation could endanger up to 800 million jobs worldwide by 2030. China's increasing robotics exports pose a challenge to US and Japanese markets, underscoring the urgent need for discussions on AI ethics and regulation. Potential consequences include the necessity for mass retraining programs, the impact of trade policies like tariffs, and increased talent migration, which could widen the gap between developed and developing nations.

Economic and Social Shocks

Beyond job displacement, the widespread adoption of automation presents both opportunities and challenges. While robots can enhance safety in areas like patrolling and disaster response, the potential for increased inequality is a major concern if global governance frameworks for AI and automation are not established. BRICS nations are reportedly focusing on retraining initiatives to mitigate the impact on their workforces.

Global Butterfly Waves

The increasing export capabilities of Chinese and BRICS robotics technologies challenge Western dominance. Looming trade policies, such as potential tariffs, could further reshape the global tech landscape. Simultaneously, a boom in talent migration and the strain on international bodies like the UN to address AI ethics are becoming increasingly prominent global issues.

2025-10-08

Robots Clash in Real Steel-Inspired Battles at San Francisco’s Secret 'Silicon Colosseum'

San Francisco's underground "Silicon Colosseum" drew crowds with its Real Steel-inspired robot fight club, marking another leap for competitive humanoid robotics.