Beijing unveils the first robotic-only mall which allows customers to shop, play with and buy robotic models that look like humans, such as bizarre models inspired by Albert Einstein as well as others iconic characters.

A Retail First

The brand new, futuristic-looking retail location situated within Haidian district of the city. Haidian district, has opened this week providing a single-stop destination for robotic service vehicles, humanoid robots and Artificial Intelligence-powered assistance. The mall’s operators claim that the aim is to make the latest robotics available to both businesses and families, transferring the technology from labs for science to shopping carts.

From Butlers to Geniuses

Shoppers can pick from many different options:

• Humanoids from the household created to cook, clean, and for companionship.
• Service and Retail bots specially trained to welcome guests and help customers.
• Education models include a talkative Einstein like robot that can teach fundamental physics concepts as well as answering questions in multiple languages.

Others include robots that have realistic facial expressions, dancing routines and being able to speak in conversations, blurring the lines between fun and utility.

Hands-On Experience

Contrary to conventional tech shows that are held in the traditional manner, this mall lets guests to engage directly with robots exploring features before purchasing. There are some units that can be purchased to be used for personal purposes, while others are specifically designed for commercial deployments. Lease options are also offered to businesses looking at the possibility of automation.

Boosting China’s AI Ambitions

The mall’s opening is part of China’s overall strategy of becoming an worldwide leading player in AI and robotics in the next decade. In transforming humanoid robots to devices that can be used by consumers, Beijing hopes to normalize their use in everyday life and create competition on the robotics industry worldwide.

Excitement and Skepticism

The crowd at the event was at the same time enthralled as nervous. Many families sat down to take pictures with Einstein’s robot. Einstein robot and others voiced concerns about the privacy of their children, displacement of jobs as well as long-term reliability. The experts say that even though humanoids have made rapid progress however, they are still facing challenges with regards to costs, security, and the practical aspects of.

The Future of Shopping?

At present, Beijing’s robotic mall is a truly bold test — part technology exhibition, part consumer play area. If humanoids are as ubiquitous as smartphones, or remain as a rare item is still to be determined and the sight of shoppers walking out on the streets with the Einstein robot in their arms suggest that the future of retail might already be in the works.