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Eric Jiang

Heavy rain and internet outages marred the launch of Hong Kong’s first humanoid robot-operated convenience stores on Tuesday, but visitors said they still appreciated the work of the new robots.
Embodied-intelligence robotics company Galbot opened two outdoor stores in Hung Hom and Wan Chai and an indoor shop in Kai Tak.
The Galbot stores offer a mix of snacks and drinks, along with local offerings such as pineapple-bun and egg-tart-themed merchandise, with prices ranging from HK$14 to HK$139 (US$1.79 to US$17.73).
Customers order using a screen and pay by card, WeChat, Alipay or China UnionPay, before the robot retrieves their purchases.
Patrons are also welcome to have a casual chat with the robots in Cantonese or English without making a purchase.
“Do not miss it – the big star who’s appeared on the Spring Festival Gala is working right here!” one of the robot managers said as it greeted passers-by in Cantonese.
At around 11am, several visitors stopped by the store along Hung Hom’s new waterfront to take pictures, although the heavy rain appeared to discourage them from staying too long.
Others showed interest but walked away after learning the store did not accept cash or Octopus cards.

The night before the launch, the Hong Kong Observatory issued the No 1 typhoon warning signal as Tropical Depression Saudel moved across the northern South China Sea and edged closer to the coast of eastern Guangdong province.
Only the indoor outlet in Kai Tak was spared from the rain, but staff said it was still undergoing internet testing as of noon on Tuesday.
In a reply to the South China Morning Post, Galbot said network adjustments at some branches had slightly affected the robots’ spatial positioning, requiring some fine-tuning.
On-site engineering and operations teams responded immediately to restore normal service, it said.
“We will do our best to work through any issues that arise in this early stage of operation and remain firmly committed to accelerating the move of cutting-edge embodied intelligence technology from the laboratory into real urban environments to meet the needs of different markets and bring customers a more diverse, smoother smart retail experience,” it added.
Despite the disruptions, several visitors who spoke to the SCMP said they found the novelty of interacting with the humanoid robot compelling.
Hung Hom resident Chau On-ta-yueng, 81, said he had heard about the robot convenience stores coming to Hong Kong before and was happy to see them open.
“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 said.
“A store like this, selling snacks and drinks, is a good thing for people who come to walk or exercise in the area.”
Chau bought a bottle of oolong tea at the convenience store for HK$15.80, saying the price was “moderate” rather than expensive.
He added that conversations with the robot in Cantonese were smooth, but suggested adding more content to make chats more interesting.
Vincen Leyden, 60, a tourist from the United Kingdom, came across the store while walking along the Hung Hom waterfront from a nearby hotel.
“The service was very good and interesting,” Leyden said. “[The robot] understood me perfectly.”


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But visitors praise humanoid robots at new Galbot stores in Hung Hom, Wan Chai and Kai Tak


But visitors praise humanoid robots at new Galbot stores in Hung Hom, Wan Chai and Kai Tak.


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Rain, internet outages hit first day of Hong Kong’s robot convenience stores

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}But visitors praise humanoid robots at new Galbot stores in Hung Hom, Wan Chai and Kai Tak

But visitors praise humanoid robots at new Galbot stores in Hung Hom, Wan Chai and Kai Tak