Beijing store stocks humanoid robots from over 40 Chinese brands

Too tired to make your morning coffee? Or maybe you need a hand moving boxes.

At a store in Beijing - there's a robot for that. 

The store features over 100 robots from more than 40 Chinese brands such as Ubtech Robotics and Unitree Robotics.

It's among China’s first to sell humanoid and consumer-oriented robots, reflecting on the country’s ambition to lead in AI and robotics.

Store director Wang Yifan, describes the store as “4S.” He says it will offer sales, spare parts, maintenance and survey services, like a car dealership.

Wang says the bots' prices range from about $278 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Prices are still too high, he says, adding that costs should come down once orders start coming in and companies establish prodution lines. 

China’s focus on robotics aims to address challenges such as an ageing population and slowing growth.

The sector has been bolstered by generous subsidies exceeding $20 billion over the past year, while Beijing plans a $137 billion fund to support AI and robotic startups. —Reuters