Robots compete in boxing, football and sprinting at World Humanoid Games
Sunday, 23 August 2026
Warm-up
- What sport would be hardest for a robot to play? Why?
- Have you ever seen a humanoid robot in person or online? What was it like?
- Should technology be part of sporting events? Give a reason.
Vocabulary
- humanoid
- Shaped like a human body, with a head, arms and legs.
- edition
- One in a series of the same event held at different times.
- sprint
- To run very fast over a short distance.
- synchronised
- Happening at the same time and in the same way.
- ceremony
- A formal event with special actions to mark an occasion.
- iconic
- Very famous and easy to recognise.
- celebration
- An action that shows joy after success.
- droid
- An informal word for a robot.
Reading
The second edition of the World Humanoid Robot Games kicked off in Beijing, China, on Saturday. The five-day competition brings teams together to test balance, speed and skill. Early highlights included a robot sprint that was reported to be faster than Usain Bolt’s 100m world record.
Robots have been competing in boxing, football, high jump and table tennis. At the opening ceremony, droids performed synchronised marching. On the football pitch, one robot copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuu” celebration, delighting the crowd.
Organisers say the event showcases rapid advances in humanoid design and control. Engineers used to struggle to make robots run, turn and kick without falling. In the past, many would freeze under pressure. Now, more machines can sprint, pass and even celebrate like athletes.
The World Humanoid Robot Games continue in Beijing for five days, with more contests and demonstrations expected as teams push their designs further.
Comprehension
- Where is the World Humanoid Robot Games being held?
- How long does the competition run?
- Whose 100m record was a robot said to beat in a sprint?
- Name two events the robots are competing in.
- What did a robot do after scoring on the football pitch?
Grammar focus
Used to / would
Both describe past habits. Only 'used to' can describe a past state — a situation rather than an action. 'The building used to be a cinema' is correct; 'would be' is not. (Example 2 constructed.)
- Engineers used to struggle to make robots run, turn and kick without falling.
- Teams would celebrate after finishing tests.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence using 'used to' or 'would'.
- Farmers (burn) ___ the fields at the end of summer.
- Workers (walk) ___ to the docks before dawn.
- Reporters (gather) ___ outside the courtroom each morning.
- The museum (belong) ___ to a private collector.
- Her family (live) ___ near the old harbour.
Discussion
- Would you attend a humanoid robot sports event? Why or why not?
- Do robot records change how we view human sport? Explain.
- Which event best shows progress in robotics? Why?
- Should robot games copy human sports or invent new ones?
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