The humanoid robot Xiao i hands over a product. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

A humanoid robot is now managing a retail capsule store in Ningbo, offering shoppers a fully interactive, futuristic experience.

The robot, nicknamed "Xiao i", greets customers, chats with them, and responds to their gestures and expressions. After a shopper places an order on a tablet, Xiao i swiftly locates the item on the shelf and delivers it to the pickup area. The seamless operation has attracted many locals curious to experience this blend of AI and retail innovation.

Developed by the Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, the store features the center's NAVIAI Navigator 2 robot. It can engage in real-time conversations, recognize movements and facial cues, and will eventually support automated restocking, data-driven management, and full operational optimization.

"The capsule store is our first exploration in industrial applications," said Zhang Ying, the center's product manager. "Once the system is fully refined, we plan to expand it to multiple commercial and transport hubs across the city."

The innovation center is also training humanoid robots for broader applications. Its embodied intelligence lab recreates industrial, retail, and household settings, allowing robots to practice precise manufacturing, cooking, ironing, and other domestic tasks.