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Beyond competitions, Beijing is also making strides in consumer robotics. The new Robot Mall—a flagship retail space—acts as a dealership for over 100 types of robots, from mechanical butlers to humanoid replicas reminiscent of historical figures like Albert Einstein. Prices range from $278 to millions, catering to both individual consumers and enterprise clients.
This mall is more than just a showroom; it offers spare parts, maintenance, and interactive experiences with robot dogs, android chess players, and even robot-powered restaurant services. This commercial push is part of China's larger strategy, supported by over $20 billion in subsidies last year, with plans for a 1 trillion yuan fund to fuel startups and innovation in AI and robotics industries.