Looking to play chess with a robot, adopt a robotic dog, or learn physics from an Albert Einstein replica? Shoppers in Beijing will now have that opportunity as one of China’s first retail stores dedicated to humanoid and consumer-focused robots opens its doors this Friday.
The store will feature over 100 robots from more than 40 Chinese brands, including leading developers like Ubtech Robotics and Unitree Robotics. The initiative reflects China’s growing ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and robotics.
“If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough,” said Wang Yifan, the store’s director. He emphasized the importance of creating personalized solutions to meet everyday consumer needs.
Modeled on a “4S” dealership format—offering sales, spare parts, maintenance, and survey services—the store’s robot selection ranges from affordable models priced at 2,000 yuan (approximately $278) to high-end machines costing several million yuan.
The move is part of China’s broader strategy to use advanced robotics to address demographic and economic challenges, including an aging population and slowing economic growth. The robotics sector has been energized by over $20 billion in state subsidies in the past year, and Beijing is reportedly planning a massive one trillion yuan ($137 billion) fund to support AI and robotics startups.
