BEIJING (Reuters)

Fancy a robot chess partner to test your moves on? Perhaps a robotic pet dog? Or a life-sized replica of physicist Albert Einstein that could teach you his theories on relativity?

Those are some of over 100 robots that will be sold at a new store in Beijing that opens on Friday, showcasing humanoid models from more than 40 Chinese brands such as Ubtech Robotics and Unitree Robotics.

The store is among China’s first to sell humanoid and consumer-oriented robots, reflecting the country’s ambition to lead in AI and robotics.

“If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough,” Wang Yifan, a store director, said on Wednesday, emphasising the need for tailored solutions for consumers.

Describing the store as “4S” — offering sales, spare parts, maintenance and survey services, like car dealerships — Wang said the robots range in price from 2,000 yuan ($278.33) to several million yuan.

China’s focus on robotics aims to address challenges such as an ageing population and slowing growth.

The sector has been bolstered by generous subsidies exceeding $20 billion over the past year, while Beijing plans a one trillion yuan ($137 billion) fund to support AI and robotics startups.

(US$1 = 7.1857 Chinese yuan renminbi)