China Unveils First Robot Mall, Accelerating Global Robotics Race
China has unveiled its first comprehensive shopping center dedicated entirely to robotics, marking a significant step in the nation’s ambitious drive to integrate advanced machines from research laboratories into daily life. The four-story Robot Mall, strategically located in Beijing’s high-tech E-Town district, currently features over 100 robots from more than 40 different brands, including prominent Chinese firms like Ubtech Robotics and Unitree Robotics.
Operating on a model akin to a car dealership, the mall adheres to China’s “4S” system, providing a holistic experience that encompasses sales, service, spare parts, and opportunities for customers to provide feedback and surveys—all under one roof. This integrated approach is crucial, as Wang Yifan, a director at the mall, explained to Reuters: “If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough.”
The price spectrum for robots at the new facility ranges from an accessible 2,000 yuan (approximately $278) for simpler models, extending to several million yuan for more sophisticated units. A striking example of the high-end offerings is a talking humanoid replica of Albert Einstein, priced at 700,000 yuan (around $97,473). Beyond retail, the mall offers immersive experiences, including a themed restaurant where robotic waiters serve dishes and drinks prepared by robotic chefs. Visitors can also observe robots competing in soccer or Chinese chess, interact with lifelike robot dogs, or encounter animatronic figures of historical luminaries such as Isaac Newton, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and the renowned Chinese poet Li Bai.
The grand opening of the Robot Mall coincides with two major robotics conferences currently underway in Beijing, underscoring the city’s role as a global hub for technological innovation. The 2025 World Robot Conference, which began on the same day as the mall’s opening and runs through August 12, is drawing nearly 500 experts from over 20 countries to discuss the latest trends and advancements in robotics. Concurrently, approximately 200 robotics companies are showcasing their research and development breakthroughs across more than 1,500 exhibits. Following this, from August 14 to 17, Beijing will host the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games. This event will see over 100 teams compete in 21 diverse challenges, testing their humanoid robots’ prowess in athletics, soccer, dance, material handling, drug sorting, and various performance-based and scenario-driven tasks.
These initiatives are integral to China’s broader national strategy to secure a leading position in the global robotics landscape. The country is committing substantial resources to the sector, with over $20 billion in subsidies allocated in the past year alone. Furthermore, reports indicate Beijing is planning a massive one trillion yuan (approximately $137 billion) fund specifically to support artificial intelligence and robotics startups. This aggressive investment has prompted calls from some U.S. robotics companies, including Tesla and Boston Dynamics, for American lawmakers to develop a robust national strategy capable of competing with China’s rapid advancements.