Life-Like Robots for Sale to the Public as China Opens New Store
Beijing has unveiled one of its most ambitious retail ventures yet – a sprawling robot mall where members of the public can now purchase humanoid machines, robotic pets, and even lifelike versions of historical figures such as Albert Einstein.
The newly launched Robot Mall, which opened its doors on Friday, is among the first stores in China dedicated to selling consumer-facing and humanoid robots. With more than 100 different models available, the store has been likened to a car showroom, offering sales, maintenance, and replacement parts under one roof.
Located beside a futuristic restaurant where diners are served by robotic waitstaff and meals are prepared by automated chefs, the mall represents China’s latest push to bring robotics into everyday life.
“Getting robots into households isn’t something robotics companies can achieve alone,” said Wang Yifan, the store’s director, in an interview with Reuters. “We need a broader ecosystem.”
The robots on display and available for purchase range from affordable models priced at around 2,000 yuan (approximately $278) to high-end machines costing several million yuan. Shoppers can test interactive robots that play chess, mimic pets like dogs, and perform various domestic roles.
The mall’s launch coincides with the opening of the five-day World Robot Conference, also held in Beijing, where more than 200 robotics firms — both domestic and international — are showcasing over 1,500 innovations.
China’s commitment to robotics and artificial intelligence continues to intensify. Over the past year alone, government subsidies for the sector have exceeded $20 billion, and plans are in motion to establish a 1 trillion yuan fund supporting startups in AI and robotics.
As part of its global ambitions, Beijing will also host the first-ever World Humanoid Robot Games from August 14 to 17. Teams from over 20 countries are expected to compete in unconventional events such as robot-led track races, dance-offs, and football matches.
