Beijing, China – The future of retail has arrived with the grand opening of China's first dedicated Robot Mall, where life-like robots — including replicas of historical figures like Albert Einstein — are now available for purchase by the public.
The newly launched store, located in the heart of Beijing, showcases over 100 types of robots, ranging from AI-powered assistants and robotic pets to advanced humanoids. It has been described as the “Tesla showroom of robotics,” offering full services including product sales, spare parts, and long-term maintenance.
The opening marks a significant step in China's strategic investment in robotics and artificial intelligence as it faces the dual challenges of a slowing economy and an aging population. According to Wang Yifan, the store’s director, “If robots are to become common in households, we must go beyond relying only on robot manufacturers. Public access is the next frontier.”
Prices at the mall vary from affordable options around 2,000 yuan ($278) to premium humanoids costing millions. Customers can interact with robots that play chess, mimic human behavior, or even serve meals — making the experience more than just shopping.
Adjacent to the mall is a futuristic robot-themed restaurant, where diners are welcomed and served by robots, while automated chefs handle the cooking behind the scenes. This immersive experience is aimed at demonstrating real-world uses of robotics in everyday life.
The launch coincides with the prestigious World Robot Conference in Beijing, featuring over 1,500 exhibits from 200+ global robotics companies. Additionally, China is preparing to host the first World Humanoid Robot Games, a unique event where robotic teams from more than 20 countries will compete in dance, athletics, and even football.
The Robot Mall also represents China’s broader ambitions. The government has already poured over $20 billion into robotics and is planning a 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) fund to boost AI and tech innovation.
With this launch, China signals a bold step toward mainstream robotic adoption — transforming science fiction into shopping reality.