China has officially opened the world’s first AI-powered Robot Mart in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, marking a major milestone in next-generation automated retail. The seven-square-metre kiosk, located inside Zhongshan Joy Land Park, is operated entirely by a humanoid robot that manages customer orders, handles food preparation, and performs interactive service tasks.
The innovative project is the result of a partnership between Guangdong Jinma Entertainment Corporation and leading robotics developer Astribot, creating the first fully embodied-AI retail service of its kind.
A New Standard for AI-Driven Retail
According to the official report from Newsgd, the Robot Mart uses a humanoid robot equipped with:
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An advanced cable-driven actuation system for smooth and precise movement
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a large embodied AI model, DuoCore-WB, enabling complex real-world decision-making
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multi-step task execution, including preparing popcorn, picking drinks and handing items to customers
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interactive communication skills suitable for families and children
Visitors described the experience as seamless and futuristic, noting how the robot handled the entire service process autonomously — from order placement to product delivery and customer farewell.
Designed for Rapid Deployment Across Tourist Venues
The Robot Mart’s seven-square-metre footprint is intentionally compact, making it ideal for installation in:
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theme parks
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entertainment zones
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cultural centres
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high-traffic tourism destinations
The Shenzhen Government confirmed that the design enables cost-effective replication across multiple venues, forming part of a broader strategy to integrate AI and robotics into the tourism economy.
Source: Shenzhen Government Portal – https://www.sz.gov.cn/cn/xxgk/zfxxgj/gqdt/content/post_12494854.html
As part of the strategic rollout, Astribot and Jinma plan to deploy 1,000 AI service robots across tourist attractions over the next two years.
Why the Robot Mart Matters
1. A Breakthrough in Embodied AI
Unlike unmanned stores or self-checkout systems, Robot Mart places a fully autonomous humanoid robot at the centre of the retail experience. This marks a significant shift from digital automation to full physical AI automation.
2. A Scalable Model for Retail Innovation
The installation’s modular format allows theme parks and venues to add retail capacity without hiring staff or constructing large structures.
3. A Real-World Testing Ground for Robotics
The robot’s interactions generate extremely valuable data for training next-generation embodied AI systems — enhancing reliability, safety and adaptability.
4. China’s Growing Leadership in Service Robotics
By launching the world’s first robot-operated mart, China is positioning itself at the forefront of consumer-facing robotics, blending tourism, retail and AI-driven experiences.
Challenges to Overcome
While groundbreaking, robot-run retail faces several challenges:
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Ongoing robot maintenance and support costs
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safety assurance for human-robot interaction, especially around children
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scalability and long-term profitability for small retail footprints
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technical reliability in busy or unpredictable environments
Nonetheless, analysts believe the Robot Mart provides a viable blueprint for future robot-driven retail ecosystems.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Everyday Commerce
The launch of the Robot Mart in Zhongshan represents a defining moment for AI service robotics. As humanoid robots become more capable and affordable, automated retail kiosks may soon appear in airports, cinemas, museums, train stations and shopping centres around the world.
China’s pioneering installation could be the first of many — signalling the arrival of a new era where AI robots not only support retail operations, but run them independently.
Senior Reporter/Editor
Bio: Ugochukwu is a freelance journalist and Editor at AIbase.ng, with a strong professional focus on investigative reporting. He holds a degree in Mass Communication and brings extensive experience in news gathering, reporting, and editorial writing. With over a decade of active engagement across diverse news sources, he contributes in-depth analytical, practical, and expository articles that explore artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. His seasoned newsroom experience and well-established information networks provide AIbase.ng with credible, timely, and high-quality coverage of emerging AI developments.