Science robots

A robot just beat the human speed record then promptly faceplanted into history – 17 very human replies

David Harris. Updated August 21st, 2026

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It wasn’t so long ago that robots were clunky, slow, and thoroughly impractical. Sci-fi portrayed them as such for decades — from R2-D2 and Robby the Robot to our beloved Metal Mickey.

How times have changed. They’re now quick, agile and, let’s face it, rather terrifying. Luckily, however, they’re not quite yet perfect, as this following clip of a Chinese robot named ‘Superman’ goes to show.

Here’s Superman in action at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval, casually breaking the human speed record held by Usain Bolt. It’s fair to say that it’s somewhat missing the flair of the elite sprinter.

Thanks to Eren Chen for sharing on Twitter.

Ouch. If he’s been programmed to experience pain, then he’s going to feel that in the morning. Let’s have a look at the replies.

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