A humanoid robot prototype nicknamed Superman, built by Chinese robotics company Unitree, has set an unverified speed record of 28.3mph on a test track.
The machine achieved a top velocity of 12.66 metres per second, or 12.658 metres per second in company data. That performance surpasses the human sprinting record of 12.42 metres per second, or 27.78mph, set by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt during the 2009 IAAF Athletics World Championships.
In a separate demonstration clip, the prototype also performed a standing vertical jump of approximately two metres into the air. The jump exceeds the human world record for a standing jump, set at 1.7 metres, or 5ft 7in, by American athlete Christopher Spell in 2021.
Unitree shared video of the demonstrations on social media platform X, writing: "Unitree new robot preview: 'Superman' breaking the limits of humanity." The Hangzhou-based firm added: "This new machine has only been in development for a little over three months, with significant room for further improvement in the coming months."
Unverified capabilities and stride length
The rapid development of the prototype is highlighted by its relatively short stride. Unitree reports that the machine features a leg length of just 0.85 metres, or 2.8 feet, making the 28.3mph top speed particularly striking given its physical dimensions.
Company demonstrations appear aimed at showcasing raw hardware speed and explosive physical power rather than practical commercial tasks. Unitree has not yet published full technical specifications for Superman, omitting details regarding its height, total weight, battery capacity, or the number of test repetitions conducted. The speed and jump metrics have not been independently verified.
Usain Bolt famously established his 100m world record time of 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Championships, reaching his peak velocity of 27.78mph between the 60m and 80m marks. While Unitree claims its machine can outrun the Olympic legend, online observers offered mixed reactions to the video footage.
Some social media users found the footage amusing, with one commenting, "That's probably the goofiest running I've ever seen," while another noted, "He runs like a dork." A third commenter joked, "School sports days are never going to be the same ever again."
Others expressed fascination at the mechanical progress. One viewer wrote: "If the hardware keeps improving at this pace, humanoid robots are going to become capable of some seriously impressive things very quickly."
Stress testing dynamic movements
Ma Jihua, a veteran technology industry analyst, told the Global Times that extreme performance demonstrations essentially serve as "stress tests" for a robot's underlying hardware and software coordination. He noted that pushing capabilities such as running, jumping, explosive power, and balance control to their limits helps engineers establish performance boundaries.
Much like extreme stress testing in aircraft or motor vehicle engineering, understanding these boundaries is necessary before matching machines with practical uses. Mr Jihua explained that mastering highly dynamic movements could eventually help humanoid robots operate in difficult terrain, disaster zones, and other dangerous or challenging environments.
Superman follows Unitree's earlier humanoid model, the H1, which made headlines after reaching speeds of 10 metres per second, or 22.3mph, in previous test demonstrations. The H1 humanoid model is currently offered for sale at $13,500, or £9,980.
Production volume and combat demonstrations
Unitree, which is best known for developing high-performance quadrupeds and humanoid robots, disclosed earlier this month that it has produced approximately 18,000 humanoid units to date, excluding wheeled models and alternative humanoid designs.
The track demonstration follows another recent display of Chinese robotics. Last month in Shenzhen, a major technology center in Guangdong province, footage emerged showing two humanoid robots competing in a cage fight before hundreds of spectators in a mixed martial arts event.
During the cage match, one robot continued to fight after having its head kicked off entirely. Discussing the footage on Reddit, one viewer commented, "Finally we have Real Steel," referring to the 2011 science-fiction film starring Hugh Jackman about robotic boxers. Another user warned: "We're training the next generation lifeform on Earth how to defeat us. Poetic."
