How humanoid robots are learning to handle the physical world

For humanoid robots, the challenge is no longer just learning how to walk. The next step is learning how to interact with the physical world.

At the second World Humanoid Robot Games, which opens in Beijing on Saturday, robots will compete in a range of tasks, from tug-of-war and bottle opening to pitch-pot and powder weighing.

Behind these unusual contests are tests of robots' ability to control movement, sense physical changes and perform complex tasks through AI-based decision-making.

One example is the two-on-two tug-of-war competition, a new event introduced this year.

Unlike a traditional strength contest, the challenge requires robots to maintain balance, adjust their posture and respond to changes in pulling force while gripping the rope with their dexterous hands.

"Tug-of-war mainly tests a robot's ability to generate high torque while maintaining stability," said Zuo Jiaping, co-founder of Lingxin Intelligent Hand Technology Co., Ltd.

"It is not just about the robot's body structure. It needs to remain stable under extreme conditions. Its feet need to stay firm on the ground, and its hands need to be flexible enough to grip the rope."

Engineers also need to train robots to adapt to different physical conditions.

"We tested different postures and grip strengths to help the robot hold the rope more securely," said Ma Cong, head of embodied intelligence at XYZ Embodied AI.

"We also considered factors such as friction between the feet and the ground, as these factors affect the robot's performance."

Beyond strength and stability, another major challenge for humanoid robots is precise manipulation.

In the bottle-opening competition, robots must hold a glass bottle with one hand and use a bottle opener with the other. The task tests their ability to control force, position and movement while using tools.

"Robots need to truly use tools like humans do," Zuo said.

The pitch-pot competition tests another key capability: coordination between vision and movement.

To complete the traditional Chinese game, robots need to identify the target, judge the distance, hold the arrow steadily and control the force and angle of the throw while maintaining balance.

"The robot needs to see clearly, hold the arrow steadily and throw accurately," Zuo said. "This requires an intelligent system that can calculate distance, force and position."

Other events, including powder weighing and electric tool assembly, focus on even finer operations.

In the powder weighing challenge, robots need to scoop powder with a spoon and place it on an electronic scale until the weight reaches 20 grams. The task requires robots to handle physical characteristics like powder flow and adhesion while performing precise operations.

The electric tool assembly challenge requires robots to use an electric screwdriver to install screws accurately without damaging the screw holes.

Through these tasks, humanoid robots are being tested not only on whether they can move but also on whether they can sense, make decisions and interact with the physical world.

(Cover: Booster T2 robots during a rehearsal ahead of the opening of the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, China, on August 21, 2026. /VCG)