This is the amusing moment two mascots took part in a hilarious 100-metre race against a robot in China.

The white mascot, Lerongrong, and its pink companion, Xiyangyang, lined up with the humanoid bot during the 15th National Games at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Centre.

Footage shows the characters and the automaton standing at the starting line on November 17.

When the starting gun fired, the trio set off. The robot first marched in place before finally moving forward along the track.

Meanwhile, Lerongrong and Xiyangyang bounced and twisted their inflatable bodies as they ran, even slowing down and playfully jumping around at one point to wait for the robot.

In the end, Lerongrong won the race, while Xiyangyang and the robot jogged alongside each other.

HongHong, the actor inside the Lerongrong mascot, said: 'Although we have short legs, we must also try to outperform the robot and respect our opponent.

'The game is not the most important thing; happiness is. The audience came from all over the country and even from around the world, and I wanted to make them happy.'

China has been increasingly integrating robots into public life, deploying humanoid robots for community services, autonomous vehicles for public security, and service robots in hospitality and retail sectors.

On April 19, the world's first half-marathon for humanoid robots was held in the city, with 21 robotic athletes from across the country participating in the 13-mile (21 km) race.

The event marks a milestone in robot development, attracting residents to witness the breakthrough in futuristic technology.

On March 26, the G1 robot, created by Unitree and dressed in a stylish violet flowy top, made its debut at the Xintiandi show venue during Shanghai Fashion Week.

On March 4, Yushu Wang Xingxing, Founder and CEO of Unitree, sparred with the humanoid robot to demonstrate its combat skills in Zhejiang.

Human and animal-like robots are being developed in several countries, with China and the United States leading the 'tech arms race.'

A military-style robot dog has even been spotted protecting President-Elect Donald Trump in Florida.

Meanwhile, eccentric billionaire Elon Musk recently unveiled Optimus, describing it as a multi-functional assistant capable of handling household chores, playing with children, and performing repetitive tasks.