Beijing robot store offers Einstein replicas, chess partners, in AI leadership push

(Patria) - Do you want a robotic chess partner to test your moves against? Perhaps a robotic dog? Or a life-sized replica of physicist Albert Einstein that could teach you his theories of relativity?

These are some of the over a hundred robots that will be sold in a new store in Beijing opening on Friday, featuring humanoid models from more than forty Chinese brands such as Ubtech Robotics and Unitree Robotics, Reuters reports.

The store is among the first in China to sell humanoid and consumer-oriented robots, reflecting the country's ambition to lead in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

"If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough," said Wang Yifan, the store's director, emphasizing the need for customized solutions for consumers.

Describing the store as a "4S" - offering sales, spare parts, maintenance, and inspection services, similar to car dealerships, Wang said robot prices range from 2,000 yuan ($278.33) to several million yuan.
China's focus on robotics aims to address challenges such as an aging population and slowing growth.

The sector has been bolstered over the past year by generous subsidies exceeding twenty billion dollars, while Beijing plans a one trillion yuan ($137 billion) fund to support startups in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics.