Step into the Future: Beijing's Robot Mall Unveils a World of Humanoid Wonders!
A revolution has arrived in Beijing with the unveiling of Robot Mall, a pioneering retail destination dedicated to humanoid and consumer-oriented robots. Opened recently, this store boasts an impressive inventory of over 100 robotic products, ranging from mechanical butlers to astonishingly lifelike replicas of historical figures like Albert Einstein.
This innovative mall has been likened to a car dealership due to its comprehensive services that include sales, spare parts, and maintenance for its robotic offerings. Store director Wang Yifan emphasized the importance of making robots accessible to households, stating that relying solely on robotics firms is not sufficient for widespread adoption. Prices for these futuristic creations vary significantly, starting from 2,000 yuan (approximately $278) and soaring into the millions.
Visitors to Robot Mall can engage directly with a variety of robots, including robotic dogs and chess-playing automatons. The mall also features a specialized area for replacement parts and robot maintenance, ensuring that customers can keep their new gadgets in top shape. Conveniently located next to a themed restaurant, diners can experience meals served by robots and cooked by mechanical chefs.
China’s extensive investment in the robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, worth over $20 billion in subsidies last year alone, reflects the country’s strategic focus on tackling pressing issues like slowing economic growth and an aging population. Furthermore, the government is poised to establish a 1 trillion yuan fund aimed at supporting AI and robotics startups.
The launch of Robot Mall coincides with the World Robot Conference, which features more than 1,500 exhibits from over 200 companies, both local and international. Additionally, Beijing is gearing up to host the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, where teams from 20+ countries will compete in various disciplines such as track and field, dance, and football.