Robot Torchbearer 'Kuafu' Ignites Innovation at China's National Games

Daily Technology

Daily Technology

·

03/11/2025

button icon
ADVERTISEMENT

The 15th National Games of China included a humanoid robot called ‘Kuafu’ in the torch relay. The organizers placed advanced hardware on the same route used by human runners showing that the Games now treat robots as practical tools rather than distant curiosities.

A look at tomorrow's Sports

The relay visited Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou besides Shenzhen. In Shenzhen, ‘Kuafu’ held the 1.6 kg aluminium-and-propane torch, walked the assigned 50 metres and passed the flame to the next runner at the marked exchange point. Engineers monitored balance, wind speed plus fuel flow - the robot delivered the torch without drop or tilt. The sequence proved that a bipedal machine meets the same safety standards expected of a human bearer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Takeaways

Technological Integration in Sporting Events

Adding ‘Kuafu’ was not a stunt. The National Games committee wanted data on how a humanoid performs under ceremony conditions - crowds, variable pavement, tight schedule, live broadcast. Sensors in the ankles and wrists logged torque, vibration and battery drain - staff will use the figures to refine gait algorithms and safety protocols. If the readings scale well, future relays, medal ceremonies or even security patrols may rely on similar machines to lower human workload but also cut response time.

Recommend

2025-09-09
Apple's 'Awe Dropping' iPhone 17 Event Kicks Off Soon: Here's How to Watch
Apple's iPhone 17 event is just two days away. Learn how to watch the "Awe Dropping" keynote, what to expect from the new iPhone 17 lineup, iOS 26, and more.
ADVERTISEMENT
2025-08-09
Sony Xperia Line Is Not Dead: Company Affirms Commitment to Smartphone Future
Sony reassures customers about the future of its Xperia smartphone line, confirming its importance and commitment to growth following the Xperia 1 VII recall.
2025-08-26
Musk's xAI Sues OpenAI and Apple Over Alleged App Store Discrimination
Elon Musk's xAI sues OpenAI and Apple, alleging App Store discrimination and anticompetitive practices that favor ChatGPT over competitors like Grok.
2025-10-07
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Hits Record Low Price After New Model Announcement: Major Prime Day Deal
Apple drops Watch Ultra 2 to a record low price for Prime Day after announcing a new model. Discover features, savings, and why this deal won't last.
ADVERTISEMENT
2025-09-22
iPhone Air Repairability Shines: iFixit Teardown Reveals Surprising Ease of Fixes
iFixit's teardown of the new iPhone Air shows it's surprisingly repairable, scoring a 7/10. Learn about the easy battery replacement and modular USB-C port.
2025-06-11
Android 16 Unleashes Four Major Free Upgrades for Your Phone
Discover the four major free upgrades coming to Android phones with the release of Android 16, enhancing security, productivity, and user experience.
2025-10-16
Anthropic Unveils Claude Haiku 4.5: A Faster, More Efficient AI for Everyone
Anthropic has launched Claude Haiku 4.5, a faster and more efficient AI model available to all users, offering enhanced performance for various tasks and contributing to sustainable AI development.
ADVERTISEMENT
2025-09-30
OnePlus 15 Battery Leaks Suggests a Major Blow to iPhone 17 Pro Max
A leak suggests the OnePlus 15 will have a 43% larger battery than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, potentially changing the flagship smartphone landscape.
2025-09-26
ASUS Vivobook Go 14 FHD Laptop Price Slashed to Just $150, Undercutting Many Tablets
ASUS Vivobook Go 14 FHD Laptop price drops to $150 at Best Buy, making it a budget-friendly alternative to tablets with its 14-inch Full HD display and portable design.
2025-08-05
Humanoid Robot Learns to Do Laundry, Promising a Future of Automated Chores
Discover how Figure's new humanoid robot, powered by the Helix AI model, is learning to do laundry, potentially revolutionizing household chores and bringing advanced automation into homes.
ADVERTISEMENT