A “Robot Mall” Opens in Beijing: Science Fiction That’s Already Here

Dreaming of a home robot that will take care of all those annoying household chores for you, so you can relax, place your favorite bets at the national casino, and walk the dog? Read on — this is no longer science fiction or wishful thinking.

Imagine a shopping center where, instead of the usual clothing boutiques or electronics stores, you see showcases with… humanoid robots. Not toys, not models, but real robots — with camera eyes, manipulator arms, and built-in artificial intelligence. It sounds like a scene from a sci-fi movie, but it’s already a reality.

Recently, one of the first “robot malls” in China opened in Beijing — a store where you can not only look at a robot but take one home right away. And not just the robot itself, but also a full set of accessories, spare parts, and modules to make your “household friend” exactly how you want it to be.

Over 100 Types of Robots — For Every Taste and Budget

The main feature of this place is the massive variety. It offers more than 100 models of humanoid robots, designed for the general consumer. These aren’t the industrial machines you’d see in factories, but affordable helpers priced like a good smartphone or laptop.

There are compact models — like home secretaries that can remind you about meetings, order groceries, and monitor your apartment’s temperature. There are larger “family assistants” that can mop the floor, take out the trash, and even play with children. For those wanting something special, there are robots with expressive faces capable of showing emotions, and even voices that can be “tuned” to sound like your favorite actor.

According to local journalists, prices start at the equivalent of about $500–$700, while the most advanced models can cost several thousand dollars.

A Store Where Everything Feels New

Inside the mall, there’s a special atmosphere. Instead of sales clerks, there are interactive panels and demonstration zones. You can walk up to a robot, talk to it, see how it moves, and even ask it to perform a couple of tasks right there on the spot.

Buying here isn’t just a matter of placing an order. Before taking your robot home, you can choose its color, set of functions, voice, additional sensors, and even its “personality.” The entire customization process takes less than an hour.

A Robot-Run Restaurant Next Door

Perhaps the most interesting part is that right next to the “robot mall” there’s a restaurant… run by robots. And it’s not just a gimmicky marketing trick — it’s a fully functioning system.

Robot waiters take your order, bring dishes on trays, and some can even tell jokes or recommend drinks “to match your mood.” In the kitchen, automated systems prepare meals according to set recipes without human involvement.

Visitors say that dining there feels like being on the set of a futuristic movie. And then it hits you: this isn’t fiction anymore.

What This Means for the Future

The opening of such a “robot mall” in Beijing is a clear signal that robots are no longer out of reach. If having a household robot once seemed incredible, now it could be as normal as buying a microwave.

In just a few years, it’s entirely possible that every home will have at least one helper like this. They could clean, cook, help children with homework, care for elderly family members, or even accompany you on a walk.

Homes Equipped for “Life with Robots”

Interestingly, Beijing is already seeing sales of special “smart home” kits adapted for working alongside robots. These systems help robots navigate spaces, connect to home appliances, and control them.

For example, if you have a robot and a smart washing machine, it could load the laundry and start the wash itself. If you have smart locks, the robot could let in a courier or guest while you’re away.

In essence, a new ecosystem is emerging — one where robots are not just gadgets, but full members of the household.

Science Fiction Within Arm’s Reach

Of course, many people worry that such a future could lead to job losses, especially in the service sector. But supporters of robotics believe robots will take over routine and physically demanding tasks, leaving people more time for creativity, learning, and leisure.

And the most important thing is — this is no longer some distant future. You don’t have to wait until 2050 to see a robot bring you your morning coffee. Just go to Beijing, and you can take such a helper home today.

We’re standing at the threshold of a new era. Just yesterday, robots were only in movies; today, they’re sold in shopping centers. Tomorrow, they’ll help us with everyday chores, and the day after, they’ll be so common that we won’t even remember what life was like without them.

Final Thoughts

The opening of the “robot mall” in Beijing is more than just a tech news story. It’s a sign that science fiction is becoming reality. And while such stores may seem astonishing today, in a few years, they might be found in every major city.

For now, we can only watch as robots step by step enter our lives. And it seems there’s no turning back.

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