Hong Kong to launch 24-hour convenience store staffed by a humanoid robot

Hong Kong is preparing to open a unique 24-hour convenience store where a humanoid robot will take on the role of the shop assistant. The humanoid, named "Xiao Gai," will greet customers, assist them with product selection, and communicate in several languages, El.kz reports.

The new retail outlet will be the first project of its kind in the city. The store will be designed as a compact capsule covering approximately nine square meters. Its inventory will include snacks, souvenirs, toys, leisure goods, and over-the-counter medications.

Developers promise that the robot will be able to interact with visitors independently. When a person approaches the store, "Xiao Gai" will greet them, provide information about the products, and help complete the purchase. Specialmattention is being paid to tourists, as the humanoid will be capable of communicating in multiple languages.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, shared details about the project’s launch. According to him, the store is part of a broader initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into the city's daily life. Authorities aim to demonstrate that AI is capable of performing real-world tasks in an urban environment, moving beyond just the digital sphere.

The concept has already been tested in mainland China. A similar store has been operating in Beijing since August 2025 and, according to developers, serves about a thousand customers daily. The company plans to install approximately 100 more of these retail capsules across ten cities in the near future.

The development of humanoid robots in China is already extending beyond retail. Walker-series robots are currently being tested at industrial plants, where they assist in moving cargo, participate in logistics, and perform manufacturing operations at automotive factories.

Experts note that humanoids are not yet ready to fully replace humans, as they still lag behind in speed, flexibility, and the ability to solve non-standard tasks. However, the launch of a robot-staffed store may become one of the most visible examples of how "physical artificial intelligence" is gradually moving out of laboratories and factories and into everyday life.