China’s technological advancements continue to push the boundaries of robotics, with the humanoid robot Tien Kung achieving a historic milestone. The robot successfully climbed 134 outdoor steps at Haizi Wall Park in Beijing, setting a world record and redefining mobility capabilities in humanoid robotics.
For the first time, a humanoid robot has managed to traverse such a demanding outdoor landscape, proving the growing sophistication of robotic mobility. Developed by the National and Local Co-built Embodied AI Robotics Innovation Center, Tien Kung relies on advanced vision-based walking technology to maneuver uneven steps, some reaching up to 35 centimeters in height. Unlike conventional robots that depend on pre-mapped 3D models, Tien Kung incorporates real-time perception to adapt dynamically, making its movement smoother and collision-free.
A spokesperson from the innovation center described the challenge, emphasizing that even experienced human climbers struggle with the unpredictable nature of the stairs. However, Tien Kung tackled them with remarkable ease, demonstrating its adaptability and resilience. As stated in an official release to the Global Times, the robot can also “sprint on snow, achieve speeds of 12 kilometers per hour (7.4 miles per hour), and withstand strong impacts,” making it suitable for high-risk environments.
This technological leap is particularly crucial as humanoid robots transition from research labs to real-world applications. Experts foresee Tien Kung being deployed in harsh terrains, including mountainous areas, icy surfaces, and disaster-stricken zones.
China has rapidly emerged as a global leader in robotics, with numerous innovations gaining traction both domestically and internationally. The nation’s ambitions were evident when, in November 2024, another humanoid robot, Tiangong, became open-source, encouraging further research and development in robotic mobility and artificial intelligence.
The Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, which developed Tiangong, has been at the forefront of robotic advancements. This full-sized, electric-powered humanoid robot integrates 3D vision sensors, visual perception technologies, and high-precision motion control, allowing it to move efficiently at speeds of 6 kilometers per hour (3.7 miles per hour). Since its unveiling in May 2024, Tiangong has played a crucial role in China’s broader robotics strategy.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has laid out an ambitious roadmap to dominate the humanoid robotics sector. In November 2023, the ministry announced plans for large-scale production of humanoid robots by 2025, with expectations that these machines will develop cognitive capabilities such as independent thinking and learning by 2027. To support this initiative, the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area has gathered 110 robotics companies, fostering a robust industrial ecosystem that includes core components, applications, and software development.
Additionally, industry leaders such as UBtech Robotics and Unitree continue to contribute to China’s growing presence in the humanoid robotics landscape. Their innovations are shaping the next generation of intelligent robots, positioning China at the forefront of industrial and research-driven robotic advancements.
