China has once again pushed the boundaries of robotics with the debut of Bolt, a full-size humanoid robot that can sprint at an astonishing speed of 10 meters per second (36 km/h or 22 mph). Developed by MirrorMe Technology, Bolt represents a significant leap forward in humanoid robotics, combining human-like motion with extreme athletic performance.
The announcement marks a milestone in bipedal robot design. According to MirrorMe, Bolt is the first humanoid robot of its size to reach such speeds outside of controlled laboratory conditions, making it a breakthrough in real-world robotic locomotion.
Bolt: The New Standard in Robot Speed
Standing at 175 centimeters (5.7 feet) and weighing 75 kilograms (165 pounds), Bolt is built to mimic the human form while delivering unparalleled performance. Unlike many robots designed primarily for industrial or research purposes, Bolt was engineered with speed, agility, and natural human-like movement in mind.
The robot’s success comes from newly designed joints and an optimized power system. These innovations allow Bolt to sustain extreme running speeds while replicating the fluidity of human motion. The company emphasizes that Bolt’s development goes beyond simply creating a fast robot. MirrorMe aims to develop “super-species” robots, machines capable of matching—or even surpassing—human athletic abilities through advanced motion perception and physical performance.
In a promotional demonstration, Wang Hongtao, the founder and head of MirrorMe Technology, raced Bolt on treadmills. Observers noted that while Bolt’s stride length was shorter than Wang’s, the robot compensated with a rapid cadence, allowing it to cover distances faster than a human sprinter. Video footage of the demonstration highlights the robot’s dynamic balance and smooth movement, showcasing the cutting-edge technology behind its design.
From Black Panther II to Bolt: A History of Speed
Bolt builds on MirrorMe Technology’s previous robotic achievements, particularly the Black Panther II, which gained fame last year. Black Panther II stunned audiences on Chinese television by running 100 meters in 13.17 seconds, reportedly outperforming Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robots in speed.
MirrorMe’s work in high-performance robotics stretches back nearly a decade. The company’s co-founder, Jin Yongbin, noted that speed has been a long-term focus since 2016. The team has continuously pushed the limits of robotic agility, acceleration, and sustained high-speed movement, exploring how robots can achieve feats once thought exclusive to humans.
In 2025, the company’s Black Panther quadruped robot set a speed record by exceeding 10 meters per second. Black Panther II later followed, impressing the public during a live broadcast from Wuhan with its record-breaking sprint. According to reports, Black Panther II reached a peak speed of 9.7 meters per second, surpassing the speed of Boston Dynamics’ WildCat, which research placed at around 8.8 meters per second.
A Vision Beyond Speed
MirrorMe Technology emphasizes that Bolt is more than a fast robot. The company describes it as a “steel sparring partner” for athletes, capable of assisting humans in pushing the limits of physical performance. With human-level perception, high-speed agility, and advanced locomotion control, Bolt could eventually serve as a training tool for sprinters, runners, and other athletes.
The company’s broader vision includes developing robots capable of human-level athletic performance, combining balance, perception, and high-speed movement. Developers highlight that Bolt represents a major breakthrough in humanoid locomotion control, dynamic balance, and high-performance drive systems.
MirrorMe’s approach focuses on creating robots that are both functional and human-like. Unlike industrial robots, which prioritize precision and repetitive tasks, Bolt and its predecessors are designed to move dynamically and interact with humans in real-world environments. This shift toward humanoid athletic robots reflects a growing interest in robotic applications beyond traditional fields.
China’s Rise in Robotic Athletics
Bolt’s unveiling highlights China’s growing presence in robotic athletics. Last August, Beijing hosted the first World Humanoid Robot Games, showcasing competitions in running, agility, and endurance. In the 100-meter race, the Tien Kung humanoid robot won with a time of 21.5 seconds, demonstrating China’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of robotics in sports-like competitions.
MirrorMe Technology itself was founded in May 2024 and is headquartered in Shanghai. The company’s core team comes from Zhejiang University, bringing academic research experience into practical robotic development. Their current lineup includes Baobao, Apollo, and Black Panther II, each serving specific functions ranging from scientific research to athletic performance testing.
The company’s dedication to speed and agility reflects a broader trend in robotics: the desire to create machines that not only perform tasks but also engage dynamically with humans. By focusing on performance, movement efficiency, and perception, MirrorMe aims to expand what robots can do in real-world settings.
The Future of Humanoid Robots
Bolt signals a new era in humanoid robotics. Its combination of human-like proportions, optimized mechanics, and record-breaking speed demonstrates that robots can now approach the athletic capabilities of humans. While many may still view robots as tools or industrial assistants, developments like Bolt suggest that the next generation of robots may train with humans, compete in sports, or even participate in advanced physical research.
MirrorMe Technology sees Bolt as just the beginning. By exploring high-performance robotics in athletic contexts, the company is testing how machines can push human boundaries while also learning from human movement. This approach could pave the way for robots that are not only fast but also adaptable, perceptive, and capable of complex dynamic interactions.
The rise of athletic humanoid robots also raises interesting questions about the future of sports, training, and robotics. Could robots eventually race alongside humans? Could they become training partners that help athletes refine techniques or achieve new speed records? MirrorMe’s developments suggest that these possibilities are closer than ever.
Conclusion
With Bolt, MirrorMe Technology has redefined what a humanoid robot can achieve. Sprinting at 10 meters per second, the robot combines speed, balance, and human-like motion, setting a new standard in robotics. Beyond breaking speed records, Bolt represents China’s growing focus on high-performance humanoid machines and their potential to enhance human athletic performance.
As the field of robotics continues to advance, Bolt serves as a glimpse into the future: machines that move like humans, think with precision, and push the limits of physical ability. Whether for sports, research, or practical applications, the era of high-speed humanoid robots is here, and Bolt is leading the charge.

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