China Opens First Humanoid Robot Store

A humanoid robot modeled after Albert Einstein is displayed with a price tag at a store in China

China has inaugurated Robot Mall, the world’s first 4S store dedicated to humanoid and intelligent robots, on the opening day of the 10th World Robot Conference in Beijing. The store showcases more than 100 robot models from over 40 Chinese brands, including Ubtech Robotics and Unitree Robotics, across seven categories such as medical, industrial, bionic, and humanoid.

Located in Yizhuang’s robotics industrial park, Robot Mall offers sales, spare parts, maintenance, and survey services—similar to a car dealership. Prices range from 2,000 yuan (£278) to several million yuan. Visitors can find robotic dogs, humanoids dispensing traditional Chinese medicine, and machines that flip pancakes, brew coffee, shoot basketballs, paint, or navigate obstacle courses. A standout attraction is a life-sized Albert Einstein replica capable of explaining his theory of relativity.

Store director Wang Yifan emphasized that mass adoption requires tailored consumer solutions, not just robotics company innovation. The launch aligns with China’s push for AI and robotics leadership, backed by subsidies exceeding $20 billion in the past year and plans for a one trillion yuan ($137 billion) fund to support start-ups.

The World Robot Conference, running from August 8–12, features over 1,500 products and 100 new debuts from more than 200 domestic and international companies, highlighting China’s ambition to address challenges such as an ageing population and economic slowdown through advanced robotics.