14 teams advance to finals of World Humanoid Robot Games after cable-connection challenge
In the final qualifying round, which involved cable plugging, 14 teams advanced to the next stage of the World Humanoid Robot Games. The preliminary round concluded on Monday in Beijing.
The ability of a robot to perform delicate manipulations comparable to human finger movements has long been considered a major hurdle on the path to truly universal assistants. Every successful wire connection or precise press brings us closer to a world where machines can work side by side with humans not only in factories but also in daily life. These very skills were at the centre of attention during the preliminary competitions in Beijing.
During the preliminary round, robots demonstrated their dexterity by aligning a USB plug with its port and applying precise force to complete the connection. The difficulty lies in the USB orientation – distinguishing the positive and negative sides – requiring the robot to determine the correct side before proceeding. The task also demands controlled force application, testing the robot’s grip strength and fine motor precision. This challenge underscores the importance of delicate manipulation and complex control algorithms, and robots must mimic human finger dexterity to effectively perform such intricate tasks.
After intense competition, 14 teams successfully completed the cable-connection task, securing their places in the upcoming 24-team final.
“During the testing process, we observe how robots use their hands. For example, some use one hand, while others employ two hands working together. This also shows how well the robots have absorbed the competition rules during training. Robots capable of using both hands simultaneously tend to perform tasks more efficiently and quickly than those relying on only one hand,” said Wang Shilong, chief referee of the “Dextrous Hands” category of the World Humanoid Robot Games.
The cable-connection task is a key part of the second World Humanoid Robot Games, designed to test the precision and dexterity of humanoid manipulators. It combines advanced end-effector technologies with sophisticated manipulation algorithms, pushing the boundaries of robots’ fine motor capabilities.
The second World Humanoid Robot Games, jointly organised by the Beijing government and China Media Group (CMG), will be held at the National Speed Skating Oval, also known as the “Ice Ribbon”, in Beijing from 22 to 26 August. The event will feature 666 teams and 2,056 robots from 16 countries. The programme includes 30 competitive events across various categories, including ball games and combat, as well as 21 practical tasks covering industrial assembly and household services.
As CCTV+ reports, the successful completion of the USB-plugging task marks an important milestone towards creating robots capable of precise work in real-world conditions. The finals promise to be an even more exciting showcase of the rapid progress in humanoid robotics and its readiness to tackle everyday challenges.
