Watch robots compete at the World Humanoid Robot Games in China

The first World Humanoid Robot Games are underway in Beijing, China, with participants from 16 countries including the US, Germany and Japan. Robots athletes will attempt to compete across a range of events including athletics, football, dance and martial arts.

Organisers say the purpose of the event is to trial and refine current robotics. They say sports are a way to test a robot’s decision-making, motor skills and controllers that could be later applied in real-life settings like factories and homes.

It’s all part of China’s push to become a global leader in humanoid robotics. The government has a national plan to build a world-class humanoid industry by 2027.