It’s time for Rachael “Ray Gun” Gunn to take a break (dance). There’s a new kind of athlete stepping into the arena. However instead of cult-Kanagroo-inspired jumps, we can expect joints of titanium, software instead of sweat, robotics rather than running, and code to replace cardio as humanoid robots gear up to take the global stage at the very first International Humanoid Olympiad, launching Olympia, Greece – the sacred birthplace of the original Olympic Games.
From August 29 to September 2, the International Olympic Academy will host the event, bringing the world of robotics to the very grounds where athletes once competed in honour of the gods. In 2025, this historic site welcomes a new kind of competition. One where dexterity meets data and physical feats are powered by algorithms.
The brainchild of Acumino, a leading innovator in Robotic Intelligence, and co-organised by Endeavor Greece, the event aims to blend ancient Olympic ideals with the cutting edge of robotics and artificial intelligence. Think sprinting, javelin, and high-jump – with a tech twist. It’s not just about showing off what robots can do. Instead, imagining how human ingenuity and robotic potential can build a smarter, more collaborative future will be the real winner.
Humanoids in the hot seat
Expect humanoid robots performing live demos that are equal parts jaw-dropping and thought-provoking. These bots will be running, jumping, and even competing in Olympic-style challenges. Using advanced sensorimotor coordination and physical AI, they’ll demonstrate just how far we’ve come in mimicking (and in some cases, improving on) human movement and adaptability.
Even better? You don’t have to be a tech whiz to get involved. There’ll be interactive workshops where anyone – especially students and kids – can try their hand at building their own bots, with expert guidance and zero experience required. It’s a perfect hands-on introduction to the future of robotics.
Brains behind the bots
It’s not all sparks and servo motors. Alongside the action, the event will feature expert talks from some of the brightest minds in AI and robotics. From the ethics of AI to the future of human-machine collaboration, these sessions are designed to spark serious discussion about how we shape our digital companions. And, how they might shape us.
Want to understand how physical AI is revolutionising real-world industries? Join one of the targeted sessions exploring how embodied intelligence (aka brains and brawn) is changing everything from healthcare to logistics.
More than metal
Beyond the spectacle, the Humanoid Olympiad is ultimately asking a much deeper question. What kind of future do we want to build together? As AI and robotics weave their way into our lives, this event is a chance to step back – and lean in – to the possibilities.
It’s a celebration of human creativity, technological evolution, and the incredible ways in which machines can now learn, adapt, and perform in physical space. But it’s also a global invitation. One were researchers, engineers, students, and everyday dreamers can come together and redefine what’s possible when humans and robots collaborate.
Join the movement
Whether you’re a curious onlooker, a budding roboticist, or someone simply fascinated by the future, the International Humanoid Olympiad is one event you won’t want to miss.
Where: International Olympic Academy, Olympia, Greece.
When: August 29 – September 2, 2025.
Website: www.humanoidolympiad.org
Pre-registration: https://form.typeform.com/to/G8DNp8HC
Official registration opens: June 12, 2025