Hong Kong to open first convenience store run by humanoid robot

Hong Kong will soon open its first 24-hour convenience store operated by a humanoid robot capable of serving customers in multiple languages.

Galbot's humanoid robot stocks retail goods

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said Sunday that the 24-hour store, located on the waterfront in Hung Hom, will feature a humanoid robot developed by a mainland Chinese company that can assist both residents and tourists, the South China Morning Post reported.

Chan said the outlet will be the company's first store outside mainland China. In a blog post, he said the government also hopes to improve public understanding of AI by introducing technologies that people can experience in their daily lives.

"While we vigorously promote AI development to empower industries and enhance economic competitiveness, we also hope to bring convenience that residents can genuinely feel and to create new highlights for development."

He also revealed that a high-level government committee dedicated to AI development has been established and is expected to hold its first meeting later this month.

Francis Fong Po-kiu, honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, described the project as an important step toward increasing public awareness and interest in AI applications.

"We do not [yet] seem to be able to embed AI in everyday life," he said. "Now there is a store manned by a real humanoid robot. People can interact with the robot when ordering things, seeing how it responds and prepares their orders."

Fong said the company behind the store is Beijing-based Galbot, which previously received backing from the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, the government's investment arm.

He added that Galbot has already entered the autonomous retail market with its "space capsule" stores, which operate at sites including the Summer Palace and Zhongguancun ART PARK in Beijing.

In March, Galbot G1 humanoid robots began working as sales assistants at China's first robot-operated pharmacy in Beijing's Haidian District. The robots can legally perform the role as long as the operating company holds a valid pharmaceutical distribution permit, according to CGTN.