Kevin Frayer/Getty Images (boxing); Zhang Xiangyi/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images (track); Shutterstock.com (background)

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Robots Go for Gold

October 27, 2025
By Ellen Song
Let the Robot Games Begin!
Watch the robot athletes face off—and sometimes fail.

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

More than 500 athletes recently took part in a special event. They raced, boxed, played soccer, and more. But the athletes never got tired or broke a sweat. That’s because they were robots! 

The first World Humanoid Robot Games took place over the summer. Humanoid robots are made to look and move like people. The Games were held in China. That’s a country in Asia. A total of 280 teams from 16 countries took part. 

A Chinese company called Unitree Robotics was the big winner. It earned 11 medals. 

The main goal of the event was to get people excited about robots. 

“It’s almost like a talent show for all the robots,” says Sooyeon Jeong. She’s an expert on robots.

A Lot to Learn

Some of the robots could do backflips. Others were able to climb over obstacles. But the robots also fell down—a lot. Soccer-playing robots tripped over each other and the ball. Some landed face-first on the ground.  

Robots have become more advanced over the years. But the Games showed that they still have a long way to go.

“There are so many things that humans, even babies, can do naturally that are very difficult for robots,” explains Jeong.

1. Based on the text and photos, what are some of the sports the robots competed in at the World Humanoid Robot Games?

2. Based on the article, name one way the robots are similar to human athletes. Name one way they are different.

3. How does the article show that some things are still difficult for robots?

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