STORYLINE:

Final preparations are underway in Beijing in anticipation of the historic inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, scheduled to open on Thursday at the iconic National Speed Skating Oval, also known as the "Ice Ribbon", in the Chinese capital city.

With just days to go, the organizing committee opened the doors to media for a preview of the robots in action, showcasing the participating robots' intense daily training sessions, including coordinated football drills.

To support the landmark event, a dedicated training base, dubbed "The Panda Eye", has been constructed adjacent to the Olympic venue.

Located in the sunken plaza west of the "Ice Ribbon", the facility features a 32-meter-diameter dome rising 12 meters high. Its name comes from the hemispherical design, which resembles a giant panda's eye when paired with surrounding architectural elements.

Featuring 280 teams from 16 countries and regions, including China, the United States and Germany, the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games will see more than 500 humanoid robots, spanning over 100 models from top global manufacturers, compete in a pioneering blend of physical agility, intelligent decision-making and advanced engineering.

"This is a comprehensive sports event with humanoid robots as the main competitors. While we've previously seen humanoid robots participate in individual events, such as football or boxing matches, this is the first time globally for a multi-disciplinary robotics competition to take place. In this sense, Beijing is making history," said Zhao Dongwei, director of market development at the World Humanoid Robot Games' organizing committee.

"The main purpose of the Games, in my view, is to assess the current development level of robotics technology, and to establish a platform for international and domestic robot competition, collaboration and exchange. By understanding the future potential of humanoid robots through the event, we can better drive advancement of the robotics industry," Zhao said.

The World Humanoid Robot Games, which will run until Aug 17, will feature 26 events across three major categories: competitive events, demonstration events, and scenario-based challenges, testing the participating robots' performance in fulfilling tasks ranging from sports to real-world applications.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

Beijing, China - Recent (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)

1. Various of humanoid robots practicing football at training base

2. Various of engineers adjusting robots' programming

3. Various of humanoid robots practicing football

4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Zhao Dongwei, director of market development, organizing committee, World Humanoid Robot Games (starting with shot 3/ending with shot 5):

"This is a comprehensive sports event with humanoid robots as the main competitors. While we've previously seen humanoid robots participate in individual events, such as football or boxing matches, this is the first time globally for a multi-disciplinary robotics competition to take place. In this sense, Beijing is making history. The main purpose of the Games, in my view, is to assess the current development level of robotics technology, and to establish a platform for international and domestic robot competition, collaboration and exchange. By understanding the future potential of humanoid robots through the event, we can better drive advancement of the robotics industry."

5. Humanoid robots practicing football

Beijing, China - Aug 8, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

6. Various of exterior of training base "Panda Eye"

7. Interior of "Panda Eye"