Recently, a Chinese company unveiled the Black Panther 2.0, a quadruped robot capable of running 100 meters in under 10 seconds. It is developed by Zhejiang University’s humanoid innovation institute in collaboration with Hangzhou-based startup Mirror Me.
The Black Panther 2.0’s design draws inspiration from the movements of panthers and jerboas, combining power, adaptability, and precision. Equipped with shock-absorbing springs at its knee joints, the robot mimics the agility and speed of its animal counterparts. Its carbon-fiber shins, modeled after the jerboa, improve stiffness by 135% while adding only 16% to its weight. Additionally, its cheetah-inspired “running shoes” increase grip by an impressive 200%, enabling efficient acceleration and dynamic movement.
Weighing 83 pounds (38 kilograms) and standing 2.07 feet tall (0.63 meters), Black Panther 2.0 has set a new benchmark by completing a 100-meter sprint in less than 10 seconds, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record held by HOUND, a robot developed in South Korea. HOUND completed the same distance in 19.87 seconds.

While still slower than top land animals such as cheetahs and wildebeests, Black Panther 2.0 has outpaced most humans, highlighting its potential for further advancements.
The Black Panther 2.0’s capabilities are enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies enable it to adjust its gait in real time based on terrain conditions, ensuring smooth and efficient movement. Utilizing Huygens’ linked pendulum concept, the robot synchronizes its limbs for fluid motion.
Its custom high-power-density motors deliver exceptional strength and accuracy, further boosting its performance. Professor Wang Hongtao, head of the project and a researcher at Zhejiang University, noted that the prototype was developed in just three months, a testament to the team’s efficiency and expertise.

The achievement comes amidst a global race to advance robotics. South Korea’s HOUND and Germany’s BERT, developed at the Technical University of Munich, represent key milestones in this field. HOUND’s specialized sprinting feet and BERT’s energy-efficient oscillation patterns exemplify the diversity of approaches being explored to enhance robotic mobility.
The Black Panther 2.0 is more than just a marvel of speed—it’s a glimpse into the future of robotics. With applications ranging from industrial tasks to disaster response, this innovation highlights the intersection of engineering, AI, and biomimicry.
“Through the integration of software and components, we created a prototype within a mere three months,” said Professor Wang.