The first World Humanoid Robot Games began Friday in Beijing.

More than 500 humanoid robots in 280 teams from 16 countries, including the U.S., Germany and Japan, competing in sports including soccer, running and boxing, at the 12,000-seater National Speed Skating Oval, built for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

On the first day of competition on Friday, robots were seen taking part in a 400 meters track race, fighting it out in the boxing ring and tripping over themselves on the football pitch.

"When playing football, they always fall and often can't get up. When running, some run very slowly, while others may not be able to find their own track. All of these indicate technical flaws,“ Yan Jingyi, a college student at the games, said.

Despite these flaws, Sun Xinxiao, a resident of Beijing said he can feel "fast growth in the industry."

"I believe it (humanoid robotics) will enter households and businesses to play important roles.”

The robots also modeled fashionable hats and clothes alongside human models. In one mishap, a robot model fell and had to be carried off the stage by two human beings.

Teams from robot companies and Chinese universities including Tsinghua University and Peking University are competing in the games. Three middle schools are also participating.

China’s official newspaper People’s Daily quoted a government officer in Beijing as saying that every robot that participates "is creating history.”

The event comes as China has stepped up efforts to project itself as the leading power in humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence.

It will last three days, concluding on Sunday. Tickets sold to the public range from 180 yuan ($25) to 580 ($80).

AP video by Wayne Zhang and Olivia Zhang