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China opened what is touted as the world’s first full-service store dedicated to humanoid robots during the 2025 World Robot Conference (WRC) in Beijing on Friday, showcasing the latest consumer products and services from some of the nation’s leading manufacturers.

Inspired by the 4S model used in car dealerships, the Robot Mall in Beijing’s E-Town integrates the core functions of sales, service, spare parts and surveys. It features more than 50 products from over 40 brands, including Chinese companies like Unitree Robotics and UBTech Robotics.

China’s robotics market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 23 per cent, expanding to US$108 billion by 2028 from US$47 billion in 2024 to solidify the country’s position as a leader in the industry, according to a Morgan Stanley report in June.

The Robot Mall allows consumers to experience live demonstrations of various robots designed for the industrial, medical and other sectors. For example, visitors can watch machines play football or perform a lion dance.

Fuelled by government initiatives in humanoid robotics and rapid artificial intelligence advancements, the industry is swiftly moving from the research and development stage to mass production.

Unitree and AgiBot, both of which had set their mass production initiatives in 2024, each planned to produce more than 1,000 units this year, according to a report from market research firm TrendForce in April.

As humanoid robot makers move towards commercialisation, they are also seeking additional funding.

Hangzhou-based Unitree aims to apply for a listing by December, according to pre-initial public offering documents filed with China’s securities regulator published last month. Galaxea AI, another intelligent robot company, secured over US$100 million in funding in July.

The WRC, taking place until August 12, features over 1,500 products from more than 200 leading robotics companies worldwide, including a record number of humanoid robot manufacturers.

More than 400 industry experts are expected to attend, including Unitree’s low-profile founder and CEO Wang Xingxing. He is scheduled to speak at an industry development forum on Saturday.