Hong Kong’s 24-Hour Humanoid Robot Store: A Glimpse into ‘Embodied AI’
China has a unique approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday life. Unlike in the U.S., where the focus is largely on developing large language models, China emphasizes creating what they term ’embodied AI,’ or ‘personified AI’. This strategy seeks to bring robots into retail environments, and Hong Kong is set to be the first showcase for this vision, opening a convenience store run entirely by a humanoid robot.
Announcement and Location
This groundbreaking initiative was disclosed by Paul Chan Mo-po, the Chinese Secretary of Finance, through his weekly blog. Chan detailed Hong Kong’s strategy for enhancing AI technology to provide tangible benefits for its residents. The store is slated to open on the Hung Hom seafront, operating 24 hours a day and staffed by a multi-lingual humanoid robot.
While the specific company behind the store remains unnamed, it is noted to be a business from mainland China. Possible contenders include prominent robotics firms like Unitree and Deep Robotics. The announcement states that this will be the company’s first store outside of mainland China, marking Hong Kong as a pivotal location in their global retail expansion.
Robots in the Retail World
While the identity of the company remains unclear, there is speculation that it could be Galbot. Reports suggest that Galbot has already deployed robots in retail stores in places like Beijing. A colleague described the experience of purchasing water from a robot there as akin to using a vending machine—albeit more costly and slower.
Broader Trends: Drones and Autonomous Transport
Additionally, China is not only focusing on humanoid robots but also exploring the use of drones and autonomous cars. During a visit to Shenzhen, I had the opportunity to ride in a Pony.ai autonomous taxi, which provided a fascinating glimpse into the future of transportation. Moreover, I experienced ordering bubble tea delivered by a drone—an experience still relatively rare, as drone delivery is mostly limited to select areas in the city.
The Vision Behind ‘Embodied AI’
These examples reflect a larger push by the Chinese government to prioritize what they refer to as ’embodied AI’. This cutting-edge technology features AI that occupies a physical form, allowing it to interact with various environments through sensors and actuators, whether in the shape of robots, autonomous vehicles, or drones.
The initiative was highlighted in the government’s 2025 jobs report, emphasizing that ’embodied AI’ is crucial for stimulating the robotics industry further. The increasing visibility of robots on the streets of Chinese cities is not merely an extravagant tech trend; it serves as a strategic plan to maintain industrial growth, particularly in light of challenges like rising labor costs and an aging demographic.
As the world watches Hong Kong’s 24-hour humanoid robot store open its doors, it stands as a pioneering example of how ’embodied AI’ could redefine urban life and retail experiences.
Image credit: Blog of the Financial Secretariat, China