The 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games will be held at the National Speed Skating Oval, also known as the "Ice Ribbon", from August 22 to 26, featuring 1,301 competition sessions across 51 events. Here are some of the highlights.

Event Schedule

First, a wider range of events. The number of events has increased from 26 in the inaugural Games to 51, including 30 competitive events and 21 scenario-based events.

Second, more participating teams. A total of 666 teams and 2,056 robots have registered for this year's Games, a major increase from the 280 teams that took part in the first edition.

Third, a busier competition schedule. The number of competition sessions has risen from 487 to 1,301.

Fourth, an upgraded competition format. Preliminary rounds have been removed, while more competitive and visually engaging events, such as martial arts and dancesport, have been added to the competitive events. Scenario-based events have expanded from 6 to 21, with robots moving beyond individual competition to face off in pairs or even groups of four.

Event Highlights

First, exciting action throughout the Games. Key competition events will be held across all nine disciplines. On the opening night, a 7-a-side football exhibition match, along with 400m and 100m preliminaries, will be held. Before the closing ceremony, the finals of freestyle fighting and 5-a-side football will take place. A total of 12 gold medals will be awarded on August 23, second only to the closing day.

Second, fiercer track and field battles. Records across multiple track and field events are expected to be broken.

Third, robots are getting better at football. In this year's robot football matches, robot players can already dribble, unleash powerful shots, and make diving saves, demonstrating a significant improvement in their overall competitive performance.

Fourth, "robot workers" go head-to-head in scenario-based events. Six events, including emergency response and hotel services, will be held in real-world settings. The dexterous-hand category features eight precision events, including picking up beans and tightening screws, putting the robots' fine motor skills to the test.

Fifth, high-stakes showdowns in strength and combat events. Freestyle fighting will be featured across eight competition sessions. In the newly added weightlifting event, robot "strongmen" will compete for two gold medals, one in the lightweight category and one in the heavyweight category, both on the evening of August 24.

Sixth, over 100 teams battle it out on the dance floor. The number of teams competing in dancesport events has surged from 29 last year to 108 this year. Robot dancers will showcase graceful moves and explosive, high-difficulty maneuvers across three events: street dance, ballroom dance, and cheerleading.

Competition Rules and Officiating

First, tighter time limits. The time limit for the 100m race has been cut from three minutes to one minute, the 400m from 15 minutes to five minutes, and the 1,500m from 40 minutes to 15 minutes.

Second, stricter autonomy requirements. Except for the 100m and 400m hurdle races, all track events and other competitive events require robots to complete them fully autonomously.

Third, more challenging events. For example, the difficulty levels have been raised for gymnastics, martial arts, and dancesport. Obstacle races now feature two lanes for head-to-head competition, and the take-off requirements for the standing long jump have been made more specific.

Fourth, a larger officiating team. A total of 223 referees have been selected for this year's Games: 28 international-level, 75 national-level, and 120 first-level referees. The officiating team has grown by 100 members compared to the previous edition.

Ticket Information

Tickets for competition days start at just 98 yuan, while tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies start at 128 yuan. A range of package options, including tickets for two or three people, are also available. 

Spectators based in the Chinese mainland can purchase tickets online through more than 10 platforms, including the "Chaopiao Saiyan" (巢票赛演) WeChat mini-program, Damai (大麦), Maoyan (猫眼), Piaoxingqiu (票星球), and Hongguozi (红果子). Overseas spectators can purchase directly through Damai International.

(Sources: Beijing Fabu, Beijing Traffic Radio)