Hong Kong (China) will soon open the first convenience store operated by human-shaped robots, marking a new step in efforts to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday activities.
According to Mr. Paul Chan Mo-po, Hong Kong (China) Chief Financial Officer, this 24/24 store is located in the Hung Hom coastal area. Human-shaped robots here are capable of serving people and tourists in many different languages.
The project is developed by a Chinese enterprise specializing in embodied AI, although the company name is not disclosed. Embodyed AI is a technology that integrates artificial intelligence into physical systems such as robots or self-driving cars, allowing them to use sensors to recognize the environment, make real-time decisions and interact directly with the outside world.
According to Hong Kong (China) Finance Minister Paul Chan Mo-po, this will be the first store of this business outside mainland China. The choice of Hong Kong (China) reflects the high appreciation for the special economic zone's open market as well as the city's role in introducing technological innovations to the world.
He believes that this high-tech store is proof of the increasing speed of AI integration into daily life. To promote that trend, Hong Kong (China) has established the AI+ and Industrial Development Strategy Committee, expected to hold its first meeting this month.
The Committee gathers AI experts, scholars and business representatives, focusing on researching the application of AI in life sciences, medicine, embodied AI and technology deployment strategies in many social fields.
Hong Kong (China) is also implementing programs to raise public awareness about AI. Under the "AI Training for All" initiative, a budget of HKD 50 million has been allocated for courses, seminars and competitions related to AI. The program aims to support more than 200 events, attracting about 50,000 participants in 2 years.
