Hong Kong’s first humanoid robot-operated convenience stores debuted on Tuesday, introducing a new retail experience, though their launch was hampered by heavy rain and internet connectivity issues. The embodied-intelligence robotics company Galbot opened three outlets: two outdoor locations in Hung Hom and Wan Chai, and one indoor store in Kai Tak.

The stores offer a selection of snacks and beverages, including local-themed merchandise such as pineapple bun and egg tart items, with prices ranging from HK$14 to HK$139. Customers place orders via a touchscreen interface and complete payments through card, WeChat, Alipay, or China UnionPay before the robots retrieve and dispense their purchases.

Inclement weather affected the two outdoor stores, limiting foot traffic, while the indoor Kai Tak location remained dry but was still undergoing internet connectivity tests as of midday. Galbot acknowledged that ongoing network adjustments had slightly disrupted the robots’ spatial positioning systems, necessitating fine-tuning to restore full functionality. The company stated that engineering and operations teams were on site to address issues promptly and committed to advancing embodied intelligence technology in real-world urban retail settings to enhance customer experience.

Despite technical difficulties, customer feedback was generally positive. Chau On-tayeng, an 81-year-old resident of Hung Hom, said he was pleased to see the introduction of robot convenience stores in the area. “Hung Hom has opened up a lot more places for sport in recent years, and the environment here keeps getting better with government support,” he remarked. “A store like this, selling snacks and drinks, is a good thing for people who come to walk or exercise in the area.” Chau purchased a bottle of oolong tea for HK$15.80 and noted that conversations with the robot in Cantonese were smooth, though he suggested adding more interactive content to make chats more engaging.

Another customer, Vincen Leyden, a 60-year-old tourist from Britain, encountered the Hung Hom store while walking along the waterfront from a nearby hotel. Leyden described the service as “very good and interesting,” adding that the robot “understood me perfectly.”

The launch marks a step forward in the integration of robotics technology into everyday consumer services in Hong Kong, with the company aiming to fine-tune the system and expand its presence despite the initial operational challenges.