A Humanoid Robot Is About to Run a 24-Hour Store in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is set to launch its first 24-hour convenience store operated entirely by a humanoid robot, named Xiao Gai, developed by Beijing-based Galbot. The store, a nine-square-meter capsule on the Hung Hom waterfront, will stock snacks, lifestyle merchandise, and over-the-counter medicines, with operations beginning as part of Hong Kong’s push to integrate AI into public life. Xiao Gai, a 173-centimeter-tall G1 model, features two robotic arms and advanced perception systems for voice interaction, visual recognition, and customer intent understanding. It will communicate in multiple languages, handling tasks like restocking, inventory management, and checkout processing. The project was announced by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a testing ground for innovation. Galbot selected Hong Kong for its international visibility and openness to technology, following successful trials of similar autonomous stores in Beijing, including the Summer Palace and Zhongguancun ART PARK. The Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) previously supported the company’s development. The initiative aims to make AI more accessible by placing humanoid robots in everyday retail environments. Francis Fong Po-kiu, honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, emphasized the opportunity for public interaction with advanced AI systems, noting that real-world deployments could accelerate adoption in daily tasks. This marks Galbot’s first retail expansion outside mainland China, positioning Hong Kong as a key hub for embodied AI advancements. The store’s success could influence broader adoption of humanoid robots in customer-facing roles globally.