By Ana Coren AUGUST 24, 2026

Beijing — How long before China is ready to deploy humanoid robot soldiers? 

That question is on the minds of many of the humans gathered in Beijing right now to watch the World Humanoid Robot Games, and as smashed records highlight the dizzying pace of advanceImpressive (and unimpressive) feats of athleticism

In the indoor arena used as the speedskating venue for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, dozens of humanoid robots stand in the center of the track, surrounded by their human minders, while hundreds of spectators in the crowd watch and cheer from their seats.

Two more are in a boxing ring, dressed in red and black headgear, punching and kicking each other in a kickboxing match. Others stand around a large gymnastics spring mat, waiting their turn as a preceding robot flips and spins through a floor routine. ment, one developer tells CBS News the answer is likely less than a decade.