Beijing to host world's first competitive humanoid robot games

Humanoid robots will sprint, jump and play soccer at the world's first competitive humanoid robotics games next month, as advances in artificial intelligence and automation technology take center stage in Beijing.

The inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, running Aug. 14-17 at Beijing's National Speed Skating Oval, will pit robots against each other in 26 categories ranging from traditional sports to practical workplace tasks.

Robots will participate in traditional sports including running, high jump, long jump, gymnastics and 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 soccer. Performance events will include solo and group dance and martial arts demonstrations that will showcase real-time robot collaboration.

The games will also feature scenario-based challenges designed to highlight robots' potential in industries from manufacturing to health care, including factory material handling, hospital medication sorting and hotel cleaning tasks.

Spectators will be able to challenge robots directly in table tennis and basketball competitions during interactive segments.

Tickets went on sale July 27 through platforms including Nesticket, Damai and Maoyan. Opening and closing ceremony tickets range from 180 to 580 yuan ($25-$80), while competition day tickets cost 128 to 428 yuan. Family packages for two or three people are also available.