Hong Kong’s inaugural humanoid robot-operated convenience stores are set to open on Tuesday, with the Beijing-origin company aiming to launch approximately 10 additional locations across the city as it heralds its first international expansion.
After a Monday opening ceremony, the first Galbot stores will debut in Hung Hom, Kai Tak, and Wan Chai on Tuesday, representing the company’s inaugural outlets operating beyond mainland China.
The embodied-intelligence robotics firm launched its debut location on the mainland last August and has since grown to approximately 200 outlets spanning 50 cities across the country.
Zhao Yuli, Chief Strategy Officer of Galbot, described the initiative as a pivotal step in the company’s overseas expansion, noting that Hong Kong serves as a critical gateway for mainland China’s engagement with the international market. She added that the firm has maintained a Hong Kong office since 2024.
Galbot plans to establish approximately 10 additional stores in Hong Kong over the coming years, targeting high-traffic districts.
According to Zhao, every Galbot store operates via wheeled humanoid robots driven by the company’s proprietary embodied foundation model, AstraBrain.
The robots are capable of taking customer orders, delivering goods, and preparing beverages using an integrated coffee machine; however, a human attendant remains required for certain operations, including specific replenishment duties, with full automation anticipated in the future.
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