The country is on course to debut its first 24-hourr convenience store operated entirely by a humanoid robot.
Located on the Hung Hom waterfront, the store marks Beijing-based robotics firm Galbot’s first foray outside Mainland China.
Backed by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC), the nine square metre capsule store will be managed by ‘Xiao Gai’, a 173cm-tall G1 humanoid robot model. The machine features a 190cm arm span designed to physically restock shelves, pick inventory items and handle customer checkouts.
The modular structure is configured to stock high-turnover retail categories, including snacks, lifestyle merchandise and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
“The imminent debut of a humanoid robot store manager in Hong Kong points to an accelerating trend: artificial intelligence (AI) is entering people’s everyday lives in more tangible ways,” HKIC said in a statement. “In vigorously promoting AI development, we aim not only to empower industries and strengthen economic competitiveness, but also to deliver convenience that residents can truly experience, while creating new areas of growth and opportunity.”
Galbot projections estimate that the automated storefront format could increase surrounding foot traffic by 30 to 40 per cent due to consumer novelty. In addition to the initial Hong Kong pilot, the company reportedly plans to expand the capsule format internationally, targeting rollouts across 10 major cities.
