Hong Kong's First Robot-Run Convenience Stores Open as Galbot Launches Overseas Expansion
SCMP · 4 SOURCES3 minutes ago2 MIN
Summary
Galbot, a Beijing-based embodied-intelligence robotics company, officially launched Hong Kong's first fully autonomous robot-run convenience stores on September 1, marking the company's first outlets outside mainland China. The three Galbot Store locations—Hung Hom New Waterfront, Wan Chai Waterfront and Kai Tak Sports Park—feature the company's wheeled humanoid robot "Little Gai," which can autonomously take orders, deliver products and prepare coffee. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po completed the first transaction at the launch ceremony, calling Hong Kong a "testable application ground" for the robotics sector.
Key Points
- Galbot Store's first Hong Kong outlets opened September 1 at three waterfront and sports locations, with about 10 more planned across high-footfall districts
- The wheeled humanoid robot "Little Gai" operates autonomously via Galbot's AstraBrain foundation model, handling orders, delivery and coffee preparation without backend human control
- Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po made the inaugural purchase at the launch ceremony, emphasizing Hong Kong's unique value as a testing ground, R&D ecosystem and capital chain for robotics
- Galbot has operated about 200 stores across 50 mainland Chinese cities since launching its first outlet last August, winning gold, silver and bronze medals at the World Humanoid Robot Games
- Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) has invested in over 200 companies since becoming Galbot's strategic partner two years ago, with 11 portfolio companies now listed in Hong Kong
Why It Matters
This launch positions Hong Kong as the first overseas testing ground for mainland Chinese robotics companies, with Galbot's CEO noting the city offers the concentrated population, diverse scenarios and international reach needed to prove continuous autonomous retail operations work beyond exhibition demos . Market projections cited by Chan indicate humanoid robots could reach 1 billion units globally by 2050, driving a $5 trillion industry, making Hong Kong's early mover advantage in hosting such operations strategically significant for the city's innovation ecosystem .
This launch positions Hong Kong as the first overseas testing ground for mainland Chinese robotics companies, with Galbot's CEO noting the city offers the concentrated population, diverse scenarios and international reach needed to prove continuous autonomous retail operations work beyond exhibition demos . Market projections cited by Chan indicate humanoid robots could reach 1 billion units globally by 2050, driving a $5 trillion industry, making Hong Kong's early mover advantage in hosting such operations strategically significant for the city's innovation ecosystem .