Beijing seems like it wants to continue with the legacy of Albert Einstein, but with a twist. Their blinking eyes have a strangely endearing quality. They could initially be mistaken for wax figures or perhaps mannequins with a quirky twist. As you approach, however, you come to understand that these works are alive—not literally, but in a way that captures your imagination. Welcome to one of Beijing’s newest attractions, where robots can do more than simply talk and move; they can also play chess, tell jokes, and even mimic one of the greatest minds in history.
Over 100 humanoid robots in a Beijing store as part of a consumer technology push
Fancy a robot chess partner to test your moves on? Perhaps a robotic pet dog? Or a life-sized replica of physicist Albert Einstein that could teach you his theories on relativity? Those are some of over 100 robots that will be sold at a new store in Beijing that opens on Friday, showcasing humanoid models from more than 40 Chinese brands, such as Ubtech Robotics 9880.HK and Unitree Robotics.
Describing the store as “4S” — offering sales, spare parts, maintenance and survey services, like car dealerships — Wang said the robots range in price from 2,000 yuan ($278.33) to several million yuan. The store is among China’s first to sell humanoid and consumer-orientated robots, reflecting the country’s ambition to lead in AI and robotics.
Wang Yifan, a store director, said on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions for consumers,
“If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough.”
An important step in China’s leadership in AI
The store may appear to be merely simple, but it serves a deeper function. China has said unequivocally that its goal is to become the global leader in artificial intelligence. This store acts as soft power by making AI an approachable and pleasurable experience for the general public. In addition to increasing domestic confidence in local tech development, it helps normalise engagement with intelligent machines.
Additionally, there is a definite educational advantage. Children may learn about robots, programming, and the fundamentals of machine learning at the store, which frequently hosts school groups. Meeting “Einstein” in person may arouse a passion in young brains that textbooks just cannot. Furthermore, it goes beyond science.
The Beijing Robot Store’s standout features include:
- Interactive Einstein replicas that respond to enquiries and explain physics.
- Robots that play chess and can adjust their difficulty levels.
- Interactive educational stations for children and tech-savvy adults.
The emergence of playful robots is more important than it may look
In addition to teaching patience, strategy, and critical thinking, the AI chess bots offer an entertaining substitute for screen-based entertainment. Many people might merely think of this robot store as a fun place to visit in the afternoon or as a funny place to take pictures. However, it represents something much more significant for China and the larger IT community. So long as it doesn’t lead to AI chatbots that easily spread health falsehoods.
This method exposes AI so that people of all ages can interact with it, talk to it, and even laugh with it, rather than burying it behind screens and code. The success of the business demonstrates that the future need not be a scary, chilly, or far-off place. At moments, it appears to be an elderly man with a scruffy moustache, grinning through a silicon face as he explains the theory of relativity. AI is a new path that has even caused Microsoft to plan a record of $30B spend as AI profits rise. China’s focus on robotics aims to address challenges such as an ageing population and slowing growth.
GCN.com/Reuters