Beijing, China — A groundbreaking new store in the Chinese capital is now selling everything from mechanical butlers to life-like replicas of Albert Einstein.
The Robot Mall, which officially opened its doors on Friday, features over 100 different types of consumer and humanoid robots. This makes it one of the first retail outlets in China dedicated to AI-powered and household-friendly robotics.
#1🛒 A Car Dealership for Robots
The store’s business model has been compared to that of a car dealership, offering sales, spare parts, and maintenance services. Customers can purchase robots ranging from affordable home gadgets to high-end humanoid assistants.
Prices start at just 2,000 yuan ($278, £207) and can soar to several million yuan depending on the model and features.
#2💡 Why China Is Betting Big on Robotics
China is pouring billions into robotics and artificial intelligence as part of a long-term strategy to tackle slowing economic growth and an aging population.
Store director Wang Yifan told Reuters:
“If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough.”
This new retail concept could help accelerate mass adoption of service robots across Chinese homes and businesses.
#3Beijing’s “Robot Mall” Opens, Selling Humanoids, AI Pets, and Mechanical Chefs
Beijing, China — China has officially opened its first large-scale Robot Mall, offering everything from mechanical butlers and AI-powered pets to life-like replicas of Albert Einstein.
The store, which opened Friday, features over 100 types of consumer and humanoid robots. Prices range from 2,000 yuan ($278, £207) to several million yuan, depending on sophistication and capabilities.
🤖 Hands-On Experience with AI
Visitors can interact with a wide variety of robots, including:
Robot dogs
Chess-playing machines
Humanoid assistants
A dedicated section offers replacement parts and maintenance services, similar to a car dealership.
🍽 Dining with Robots
Robot Mall sits next to a robot-themed restaurant, where customers are served by robotic waiters while dishes are prepared by mechanical chefs.
💡 China’s Robotics Boom
China is investing heavily in robotics and artificial intelligence to combat slowing economic growth and an aging population. In the past year alone, government subsidies have exceeded $20 billion, and a 1 trillion yuan ($139 billion) national fund is being planned for AI and robotics startups.
Store director Wang Yifan told Reuters:
“If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough.”
#4Beijing Launches Robot Mall Amid Global Robotics Events and Humanoid Games
Beijing, China — The grand opening of Robot Mall in Beijing — selling everything from mechanical butlers and AI pets to life-like Albert Einstein replicas — comes as the city kicks off a series of high-profile robotics events.
The store offers over 100 types of robots, priced from 2,000 yuan ($278) to several million yuan. Visitors can try out robot dogs, chess-playing machines, and humanoid assistants, while a dedicated section provides robot parts and maintenance services. Next door, a robot-themed restaurant serves diners with mechanical waiters and chefs.
🌏 World Robot Conference
The launch coincides with the five-day World Robot Conference, which began Friday in Beijing.
1,500+ exhibits
200+ robotics companies from China and abroad
Showcasing the latest in AI, automation, and robotics design
🏟 First-Ever World Humanoid Robot Games
From August 14–17, Beijing will host the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, where teams from 20+ countries will compete in:
Track & Field
Dance competitions
Football matches
🚀 China’s Robotics Push
With over $20 billion in subsidies issued last year and plans for a 1 trillion yuan AI & robotics fund, China is positioning itself as a global leader in automation technology.
Wang Yifan, Robot Mall’s store director, said:
“If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough.”
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