China's First '7S' Humanoid Robot Store Opens in Wuhan, Offering Sales, Service, and Training

A new experiment in robotic commercialization officially launched today in Wuhan, China, with the opening of what is being called the nation's first "7S" humanoid robot store. Located in the city's Optics Valley Innovation Commercial Park, the store represents a significant move to shift humanoid robots from research labs and factories into the open commercial market.

The "7S" concept, operated by the Hubei Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, is an evolution of the "4S" model (Sale, Spare parts, Service, Survey) familiar in the automotive industry. It adds three new components to create a comprehensive service ecosystem:

• Sale: Direct-to-consumer and B2B sales.
• Spare parts: A dedicated section for core components.
• Service: After-sales support, maintenance, and repairs.
• Survey: Gathering information and feedback from the market.
• Solution: Providing customized solutions for specific applications.
• Show: A showroom and exhibition space for new models.
• School: Training and certification for operators and technicians.

During the opening, robots demonstrated their capabilities by dancing and striking drums, showcasing applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and cultural tourism.

According to Li Zhengxiang, chairman of the Hubei Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, the store's core feature is its "complete industrial service ecosystem." A dedicated accessories area stocks core components like chips, dexterous hands, and reducers, all sourced from the local Hubei supply chain. The center also offers professional maintenance packages and a full range of training courses.

This "robots-as-a-product" dealership model presents a different commercialization strategy from other recent initiatives. For example, it contrasts with the EngineAI and JD.com store that recently opened in Shenzhen, which uses humanoids as "cyber staff" to sell consumer electronics and lifestyle goods. The Wuhan store is not about robots as a retail experience, but robots as a fully serviceable product.

The store's debut is the public-facing component of a larger industrial strategy in the region. The Hubei Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, which opened in June, serves as a major R&D platform.