When it comes to humanoid robots, there are plenty of reason to be skeptical. While tech investors chomp at the tiniest signs of progress in bipedal robotics, industry analysts caution that it’ll be years before the machines are ready for widespread adoption.

Still, humanoid robotics make for a good novelty, as Chinese robotics firm Galbot makes clear with its urban kiosk staffed entirely by a robot.

Called the “first fully autonomous humanoid-operate store,” the robodega made its grand opening in Beijing in early August. Video shared on social media shows the Galbot G-1 — a dual-armed humanoid bot released in June 2024 — maneuvering around a small corner store, handing goods to customers like an old-fashioned shopkeeper.

“The humanoid robot Galbot G-1 runs everything, serving thousands

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