A Chinese robotics company has unveiled a humanoid robot capable of running faster than Usain Bolt’s world-record pace and jumping higher than the human standing high jump record, according to company claims.
The prototype, dubbed ‘Superman’, was developed by Unitree, a Hangzhou-based firm known for its high-performance robot dogs and humanoid robots. The company states the robot achieved a top speed of 12.66 meters per second (28.3 mph) and a vertical jump of 2 meters (6.56 feet). These figures would surpass Bolt’s 12.42 m/s (27.78 mph) world record set in 2009 and the 1.7m (5ft 7in) standing high jump record held by Christopher Spell (2021).
Unitree, which is preparing for an IPO in Shanghai, disclosed that the robot’s development spanned just over three months. The company shared a video demonstration of the robot running and jumping, though the claims have not been independently verified. The robot’s leg length is reported at 0.85 meters (2.8 feet), which the company highlights as a factor in its speed despite its compact stature.
The demonstration appears designed to showcase the robot’s physical capabilities rather than a practical application. Observers noted the robot’s ungainly running style, with some commenting on social media that it moves in a "goofy" or "dorky" manner. Unitree framed the unveiling with the caption: ‘Unitree new robot preview: "Superman" breaking the limits of humanity.’
Unitree, which shipped nearly 6,000 humanoid robots in the first half of 2026, markets robots across a range of form factors and prices, from the $13,500 G1 humanoid to the $650,000 GD01, a large-scale mecha model. The company’s IPO, valued at $9 billion, is scheduled for Wednesday, with retail investor allocations over 5,000 times oversubscribed, according to filings.
While the robot’s speed and jump claims remain unverified, the announcement underscores the rapid advancements in China’s robotics industry, particularly in humanoid robotics. The demonstration follows Unitree’s prior showcases, including performances at China’s Spring Festival gala, where its G1 robots performed backflips and martial arts routines.