Photos from Beijing’s World Humanoid Robot Games reveal that despite impressive advances, human intervention remains essential as robots stumble, crash, and require constant maintenance, highlighting the enduring need for a human touch in the era of AI-powered machines.

Photos from the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, held from August 14 to 17, 2025, capture a striking contrast between technological ambition and human necessity. Over 500 humanoid robots from 280 teams across 16 countries, including the United States, Germany, and Japan, competed in events like soccer, running, boxing, and dance at the National Speed Skating Oval—the same venue used for the 2022 Winter Olympics. While the robots displayed remarkable agility and coordination, they also frequently stumbled, fell, or collapsed, requiring constant human assistance. Technicians were seen nearby at all times, adjusting limbs, replacing batteries, and manually lifting or guiding robots after crashes. One robot had to be carried off the field by two people after a fall, echoing the treatment of injured athletes. Despite these setbacks, the robots drew genuine excitement from spectators. Roars of applause followed successful punches, goals, and victories, showing that audiences were emotionally invested in the machines’ performances. The event highlighted how far humanoid robotics has come—and how far it still has to go. The games underscore China’s growing push to lead in AI-powered humanoid robotics. As companies and governments invest heavily in developing robots for real-world tasks, the Beijing competition revealed a key truth: even the most advanced machines still rely heavily on human oversight. From maintenance to real-time corrections, human intervention remains essential. Still, the event offered a glimpse into the future. With AI and robotics advancing rapidly, humanoid robots are expected to play an increasing role in industrial and service environments. But for now, the human touch remains indispensable—not just for fixing machines, but for making them perform at all.