China Launches ‘World’s First’ Humanoid Robot Mall Operating Like a Car Dealership

By The Blogging Hounds In a bold step to mainstream robotics, China has unveiled what it calls the world’s first ‘Robot Mall’ in Beijing—a unique 4S-style store dedicated exclusively to humanoid and service robots for the public. This pioneering retail concept mirrors the familiar Chinese car dealership model by integrating Sales, Service, Spare parts, and…

By The Blogging Hounds

In a bold step to mainstream robotics, China has unveiled what it calls the world’s first ‘Robot Mall’ in Beijing—a unique 4S-style store dedicated exclusively to humanoid and service robots for the public. This pioneering retail concept mirrors the familiar Chinese car dealership model by integrating Sales, Service, Spare parts, and Surveys all under one roof, but with robots as the centerpiece instead of vehicles.

A One-Stop Robot Shop Like No Other

Located in Beijing’s high-tech E-Town district, the multi-story Robot Mall features over 100 types of robots from nearly 200 leading brands such as Ubtech Robotics and Unitree Robotics. Products range from affordable consumer gadgets priced around 2,000 yuan (roughly $278) to multi-million-yuan, highly sophisticated humanoid robots, including a life-sized Albert Einstein animatronic valued at approximately $97,000.

Visitors can explore an array of robots—from robotic dogs and chess players to animatronic historical icons like Emperor Qin Shi Huang, Isaac Newton, and the famous poet Li Bai. The mall also stocks practical robots for everyday tasks such as cooking, coffee-making, medicine dispensing, painting, sports training, and even obstacle courses.

A Tech Playground and Lifestyle Integration Hub

Beyond sales, the mall immerses visitors in a robot-themed environment, complete with a specialist restaurant where robotic chefs prepare dishes and robot waiters serve customers. An entertainment zone offers live robot sports, including soccer matches and track events, making the experience engaging and interactive.

The design encourages visitors to test and interact with products, aiming to shift public perception of robots from futuristic curiosities to everyday companions seamlessly integrated into daily life.

China’s Soft-Power Push Through Robotics

The launch’s timing, location, and extensive media attention highlight China’s strategic ambitions to assert global leadership not just in robot manufacturing but also in cultivating a consumer culture around robotics. Wang Yifan, a store director, told Reuters, “If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough,” underscoring the need for tailored solutions that meet everyday consumer needs.

This innovative retail format signals China’s intent to normalize human-robot interactions and position itself at the forefront of the robotics revolution, blending cutting-edge technology with mass-market appeal.

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