HK's first robot-run store draws curious shoppers

Hong Kong's inaugural robot-operated convenience stores captivated shoppers on Saturday, as locals engaged with a humanoid shopkeeper, conversed in various languages, and witnessed the robot perform. The three outlets, launched by Beijing-based robotics firm Galbot, are staffed by its G1 robot, a 173-centimeter tall humanoid engineered for retail duties.

These stores operate round the clock, providing snacks and beverages. Dubbed Xiaogai, the robot communicates in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. Galbot already manages approximately 200 retail stores in nearly 50 cities across the mainland, marking its first foray outside China with the SAR outlets. The experience left shoppers like Dylan Tyack intrigued, commenting, "I've been to the mainland quite a bit and had the robot coffee makers and stuff.

That's pretty cool. So I think this is a really unique concept, a good idea for Hong Kong, you know? Quite a fun experience, Tyack said." He even sang for the robot and his daughter, finding it entertaining. However, Yvonne Lau, another resident, pointed out that the technology still requires refinement, citing copyright issues that prevented the robot from singing its programmed songs.

Lau also felt the robot could be "a bit dumb," but acknowledged it was a promising start, potentially evolving significantly within the next five years.