China opens Robot Mall offering humanoid robots and maintenance services

A new robot store, called Robot Mall, has opened in Beijing, selling a wide range of products including humanoid robots, mechanical butlers, and even replicas of Albert Einstein. The store, one of the first in China to focus on consumer-oriented robots, offers products ranging from affordable robots priced at 2,000 yuan ($278) to high-end models costing millions. Visitors can interact with robots such as dogs and chess-playing machines, while a separate section offers maintenance services and spare parts. The opening coincided with the World Robot Conference in Beijing, which showcases over 1,500 exhibits from robotics companies worldwide. The Chinese government has heavily invested in AI and robotics, providing subsidies exceeding $20 billion in the past year and planning a trillion-yuan fund to support AI and robotics startups. Additionally, Beijing will host the World Humanoid Robot Games in mid-August, with competitors from more than 20 countries. This move highlights China’s ambition to boost its technological capabilities amidst challenges like economic slowdown and an aging population.