China's AI robots conquer retail
The world's first specialized store for AI-controlled robots has opened in the Yizhuang district of Beijing, a significant step for China toward commercializing modern robot technologies.
Causing a stir in E-Town
The Robot Mall in Beijing's high-tech district E-Town is set to advance China's national initiative to significantly promote humanoid robots. These synchronously dancing bipedal robots have already caused quite a stir, but can they also be put to practical use?
From sales to surveys
The four-story facility is what's known as a 4S Store, which stands for sales, service, spare parts and surveys, which collect and analyze customer feedback. As the first of its kind in China, the store is setting new standards. Other Chinese cities are already planning similar facilities.
From innovation and daily life
The aim is to support robotics companies in successfully commercializing their projects, which have previously been primarily research-oriented. The robots at the state-run facility impressively demonstrate how far the development of humanoid robots has already progressed, whether it's removing boxes from a pharmacy shelf or serving drinks at a bar.
When robots meet rhythm
A somewhat unusual robot band helps to create a good atmosphere at the Robot Mall. The store has seven main departments and more than 50 robot brands from various fields, including medical, industrial, bionic and humanoid robots.
Facing challenges head-on
Many robotics companies have no experience in sales and marketing and few opportunities to display their products, Wang Yifan, director of Robot Mall, told The Associated Press news agency in early August. "With the mass production of humanoid robots, we believe that both enterprises and customers will face pain points," he said.
Robotics in all its facets
In addition to robots that perform tasks, there are also robots that play soccer or Chinese chess, as well as historical figures such as scientists Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and 8th century poet Li Bai, considered one of China's greatest writers.
Center of China's robotics industry
The Robot Mall was opened to coincide with the World Robot Conference 2025, a leading international event in the field of robotics in Yizhuang. The district is considered an important hub for the robotics industry in Beijing and is now home to more than 300 companies in the fields of robotics and intelligent manufacturing.