In a groundbreaking development for the robotics industry, the world’s first embodied intelligent robot 4S store, located in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (also known as Beijing E-Town), has officially completed its first month of operation. This pioneering facility, spanning 4,000 square meters, brings together over 100 embodied robots from more than 50 leading companies across China, serving as a vital bridge for transforming technological concepts into real-world applications and moving cutting-edge research from laboratories to consumer markets. The store integrates sales, spare parts supply, after-sales service, and information feedback, while also offering customized development, financial services, and robot leasing options, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for embodied intelligence.
The embodied robots on display represent the forefront of innovation, with models designed for industrial inspection, healthcare, logistics, and personal assistance. The emphasis on embodied intelligence is evident throughout the store, as these robots are equipped with advanced capabilities to perceive, learn, and interact with their environments autonomously. This milestone not only highlights the rapid advancement of embodied robots but also signals a shift toward broader commercialization and public acceptance of embodied intelligence technologies.
- Immersive Consumer Experience: Bringing Technology Concepts to Life
Upon entering the embodied intelligent robot 4S store, visitors are greeted by a massive mechanical “dexterous hand” that descends from above and slowly opens, setting the stage for an immersive journey into the world of embodied robots. In the Intelligent Manufacturing Zone, a diverse array of embodied robots showcases their versatility: humanoid models can carry loads of up to 15 kilograms and collaborate on production lines, while bionic fish dive into deep waters for水质检测 (water quality detection). The Future Interaction Area allows attendees to watch robot soccer matches, interact closely with robotic dogs, and experience brain-computer interface control technologies, providing a hands-on understanding of how embodied intelligence is shaping the future of human-machine collaboration.
The store operates similarly to an automotive 4S shop, but tailored for embodied robots, encompassing sales, parts supply,售后服务 (after-sales support), and feedback mechanisms. For individual consumers, purchases are facilitated through immediate pickup from inventory or home delivery via courier services. For corporate clients, business specialists handle sales contracts and coordinate with manufacturers for production and shipping. According to Sun Ling, Deputy General Manager of Beijing E-Town Robot Technology Industrial Development Co., Ltd., foot traffic has been steadily increasing, drawing a mix of enterprises, institutions, and household users. Sales and leasing activities are showing positive growth, with consumer-side transactions exceeding 500,000 yuan in the first month, while business-to-business operations are progressing steadily. The store also features a Smart Maintenance Zone, offering one-stop services from component replacement and diagnostics to operational support and repairs, ensuring that users have reliable after-sales care for their embodied robots.
This experiential approach is accelerating the adoption of embodied intelligence in sectors such as industrial inspection, medical rehabilitation, and smart logistics, while fostering new business models like “Robot as a Service” (RaaS). As Ma Ning, Deputy Director of the Robot and Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Bureau in Beijing E-Town, notes, the innovation demonstrated in this 4S store is not only enhancing the scalability of embodied robots but also catalyzing the emergence of a RaaS ecosystem, where machines serve as dynamic partners in everyday tasks.
The integration of embodied intelligence into consumer spaces is a testament to the growing maturity of these technologies. For instance, the humanoid robots on display utilize embodied intelligence to adapt to complex environments, making them suitable for tasks ranging from warehouse management to elderly care. Similarly, the bionic fish leverage embodied robots principles for autonomous navigation and data collection in aquatic settings. This hands-on exposure helps demystify embodied robots for the public, encouraging wider acceptance and investment in embodied intelligence solutions. The store’s design emphasizes interactivity, allowing visitors to witness firsthand how embodied robots can solve real-world problems, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation.
- Integrated Industry Chain: Fostering Collaboration from Upstream to Downstream
Beyond mere product sales, the embodied intelligent robot 4S store acts as a hub for connecting key players in the robotics产业链 (industry chain), creating an ecosystem where “upstairs and downstairs represent upstream and downstream” collaborations. This integrated approach is exemplified by partnerships with organizations like the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. Liu Yizhang, Head of the Embodied Tian Gong Business Department at the center, shares that their focus on developing universal robot platforms, such as “Tian Gong” and the general embodied intelligence platform “Hui Si Kai Wu,” benefits significantly from the 4S store’s infrastructure. The store’s technical team assists with after-sales repairs, streamlining the transition from R&D outcomes to market applications and enhancing the overall efficiency of embodied intelligence deployment.
Companies like Gaoqing Electromechanical, which specializes in robot modules and is expanding into robot本体 (本体 refers to the main body or chassis of robots), also find value in this collaborative environment. Ren Haidong, Business Director at Gaoqing Electromechanical, highlights that participation in the 4S store reduces retail costs and provides opportunities for product display and talent cooperation. Since its launch, the store has attracted top-tier firms and institutions, including Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, Xinghai Tu, Ubtech, Galaxy General, and Accelerated Evolution, all contributing to a vibrant network for embodied robots innovation.
The store is actively extending its reach across the industry chain. On the upstream side, it empowers innovative enterprises through technical collaborations, data sharing, and the inclusion of key component suppliers, accelerating product iteration and strengthening the resilience of the embodied intelligence supply chain. Downstream, it expands service value by focusing on scenario-based leasing, skill training, and customized RaaS solutions. By partnering with educational institutions and businesses, the store lowers the barrier to entry for using advanced embodied robots technologies, building a richer application ecosystem that supports everything from small startups to large corporations.
This chain integration is crucial for the sustained growth of embodied intelligence. For example, the collaboration between the 4S store and research centers enables real-time feedback loops, where user experiences inform further refinements in embodied robots design. Moreover, the inclusion of financial services and leasing options makes embodied robots more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering innovation across various sectors. The store’s role in facilitating these connections underscores the importance of a holistic approach to developing embodied intelligence, where every stakeholder—from component manufacturers to end-users—contributes to a cohesive and dynamic industry.
- Industry Transformation: Building a Global Hub for Robotics Development
The establishment of the embodied intelligent robot 4S store is part of a broader strategy by Beijing E-Town to position itself as a leader in robotics innovation. Recent initiatives include the launch of the pure electric-driven, full-size humanoid robot “Tian Gong” and the general embodied intelligence platform “Hui Si Kai Wu,” the hosting of the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon, and the setup of the nation’s inaugural humanoid robot testing and evaluation center. These efforts are supported by a comprehensive innovation incubation model that covers achievements transformation, pilot testing,孵化加速 (incubation acceleration), inspection, and application demonstration.
Currently, Beijing E-Town is home to over 300 robotics ecosystem enterprises, with an output value exceeding 10 billion yuan, forming a complete industry chain that spans core components,整机 (whole machines), and application scenarios. Ma Ning emphasizes that the 4S store is expected to accelerate the construction of this industrial ecosystem, enhancing agglomeration effects and innovation vitality. Leveraging policy benefits from Beijing’s “Three Cities and One Area” initiative, advantages in high-end manufacturing scenarios, and complete industrial chain support, the area is further developing a synergistic innovation system that integrates technology R&D, scenario verification, and mass production. It is also exploring standardized replication models, such as “headquarters R&D plus regional services,” to create transferable industry service standards.
Looking ahead, Beijing E-Town has outlined specific measures to advance embodied intelligence. These include opening up nearly 1,000 real-world data collection points across the E-Town New City, covering locations like supermarkets, hotels, hospitals, pharmacies, and logistics warehouses, to build a resource pool for real-world data acquisition. Additionally, the construction of a robot secondary development community will provide developer teams with free access to general robot platforms, R&D spaces, and computing power subsidies. The layout of a humanoid robot pilot production factory aims to improve all aspects of manufacturing for embodied robots, ensuring high-quality output and scalability.
Anchored by the development goal of “the world watching E-Town for robotics,” Beijing E-Town will officially initiate an embodied intelligence social experiment plan. This initiative aims to speed up the development of the humanoid robot industry, create a human-machine collaborative training ground for research and application integration, and accelerate the entry of embodied robots into千家万户 (thousands of households) to serve千行百业 (a multitude of industries). The focus on embodied intelligence is central to these efforts, as it enables robots to operate more autonomously and adaptively in diverse environments, from homes to factories. This transformation is not just about technological advancement but also about societal integration, where embodied robots become seamless partners in daily life and industrial operations.
The broader impact of this industry transformation extends beyond economic metrics. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, Beijing E-Town is setting a precedent for how regions can leverage embodied intelligence to drive sustainable growth. The embodied robots developed here are poised to address global challenges, such as aging populations and labor shortages, by providing intelligent solutions that enhance productivity and quality of life. As the 4S store continues to evolve, it will serve as a model for other regions aiming to harness the potential of embodied intelligence, demonstrating that the future of robotics lies in creating interconnected, intelligent systems that benefit all of humanity.
In summary, the world’s first embodied intelligent robot 4S store represents a significant milestone in the commercialization and adoption of embodied robots. By providing a platform for immersive experiences, industry collaboration, and innovation-driven growth, it is paving the way for embodied intelligence to become a cornerstone of modern society. As it moves into its second month and beyond, the store is expected to continue driving advancements in embodied robots, reinforcing Beijing E-Town’s position as a global leader in robotics and setting the stage for a future where intelligent machines are integral to everyday life.