Futuristic robot showroom with humanoid machines, interactive displays, and tech representatives showcasing service innovations.
A new era of robotics innovation began on Monday as the world's first Robot 6S store opened to customers in Longgang district of Shenzhen's Guangdong province, according to local authorities. The robotic store is run by Shenzhen Future Times Robotics Co. Ltd.
On the day of the opening, 26 robot firms, including Unitree Robotics, signed cooperation pacts with the store. Altogether, more than 200 firms in different segments of the robotics sector have expressed interest in providing services through the store.
Out of these, close to 50 companies are engaged in designing humanoid and service robots. The collaborations cover the entire industry chain. ranging from R&D of basic components to software, algorithms, and end-use applications.
Driven by the classic auto 4S store model (sale, spare part, service, and survey), the Robot 6S idea introduces two additional services leasing on-demand and fully tailored products.
In its operator's words, "It redefines the standards of service and supply-demand connection model of the robot industry, creating an efficient bridge that enables the transfer of robots from the lab to the market as it translates technical concepts into actual applications."
The store provides leasing terms that are practical in real-life situations like exhibitions, event performances, and emergency inspections. This is aimed at reducing entry barriers to integrating robots in the business or events of firms and individuals.
"This elastic leasing model not only reduces the threshold for companies and individuals to employ robots but also rapidly confirms the application prospects of robots in various applications in the short term, as well as offering data support for future market growth," the operator said.
From restaurants that require delivery robots to factories that need heavy material lifting machines, the 6S store offers customization services to suit different industrial needs.
Experimental robots with sophisticated sensors can even be ordered by research institutions to suit their needs.
To further help companies, the store will set up a verification center. This centre will let businesses to mimic the actual settings to test their robots for stability in real-world use, user operation, and safety; all important steps in preparing robots for market deployment.
