A robot 6S store, claimed to be the world's first of its kind, opened to the public on Monday in Longgang District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, according to local authorities.
Building on the traditional auto 4S store model of "sale, spare part, service and survey," the robot 6S store has added two new services: on-demand leasing and fully customized products, said its operator, Shenzhen Future Times Robotics Co., Ltd.
It redefines the service standards and supply-demand connection model of the robot industry, providing an efficient bridge that facilitates the transition of robots from the lab to the market while transforming technical concepts into real-life applications, according to the operator.
The leasing services offered by the 6S store cover a variety of scenarios, including exhibition reception, event performance and emergency inspection. This flexible leasing model not only lowers the barrier for companies and individuals to use robots but also quickly validates the application potential of robots in different scenarios in the short term, providing data support for future market expansion, the operator said.
"By creating this 6S store scenario, we can facilitate the entry of more robots into ordinary households and usher in a new era of robot consumption," said Zhao Bingbing, Director of Shenzhen Longgang District Artificial Intelligence (Robotics) Administration.
Currently, more than 200 companies from across the industry chain have expressed interest in joining the store's services, including nearly 50 humanoid and service robot firms. These companies cover the entire industry chain, from core component research and development to complete machine manufacturing, software algorithms and application scenarios.
In the 6S store, research and development companies and application developers can communicate directly, enabling them to swiftly address technical challenges.
This clustered industrial layout significantly reduces communication, logistics and collaboration costs for businesses, thus accelerating the robotics industry's growth.
"This approach tackles the existing problems of limited sales, restricted applications and a lack of data regarding robots. By expanding applications and sales and accumulating more data and feedback, we can ensure the continuous advancement of robot technology iteration," said Zhao.
A total of 26 robot companies signed cooperation agreements with the store on the same day.
World's first robot 6S store opens in south China's Shenzhen
World's first robot 6S store opens in south China's Shenzhen
A new Type 055 guided-missile destroyer, the Dongguan (Hull 109), recently completed its first maritime training at the waters of the East China Sea after commissioning to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.
During this combat-oriented training exercise, the Dongguan not only completed single-vessel training subjects such as navigating through narrow waterways and damage control, but also coordinated with other warships in the formation to conduct joint operation drills, including maritime assault missions, at-sea replenishment, and multi-domain coordinated strikes.
With the improved performance of weaponry and equipment, the software and hardware of the Dongguan are vastly different from those of previous vessels. Sailors onboard the warship said that it's much more well-equipped and responsive.
"The Dongguan can now observe farther and hear more clearly. From detecting the target to launching strikes, it may take only a few seconds. However, seeing farther and wider also brings exponentially more interference factors. This requires us to practice and observe more frequently to accumulate experience, so as to enable rapid identification and efficient response," said Guo Tian, a lieutenant onboard the Gongguan.
In addition to diversified subjects with a clear combat focus, the Dongguan also faced challenges posed by harsh weather conditions during the training exercise. The crew remained at their posts throughout the process, demonstrating exceptional skills in maneuvering the vessel.
"To accelerate the combat readiness of the vessel, we participated fully in the testing and trial navigation missions from the very beginning of taking over the ship. The very first power trial navigation was independently completed by our own crew. Throughout this process, we not only learned how to operate the ship, but also understood the working principles behind its operation. This has laid a solid foundation for our combat-oriented training and equipment maintenance," said Zhang Chen, a helmsman onboard the Dongguan.
"During this maritime training exercise, we adhered to a problem-oriented approach. By creating complex settings and simulating real combat scenarios, we thoroughly tested the quality and effectiveness of the integration of trial and training during the equipment handover period, while systematically validating the combat effectiveness of the new equipment. Next, we will further optimize deployment, consolidate our foundation, strengthen coordination and cooperation, actively integrate into formation and group training, and continuously enhance the vessel’s comprehensive combat capabilities," said Shen Kai, commanding officer onboard the Dongguan.
The Type 055 destroyer is the fourth-generation destroyer independently developed and built by China. As one of the Chinese PLA Navy's most advanced surface warships, it carries advanced radar, universal vertical launch systems, and comprehensive radio frequency system, serving as the core the naval fleets for far-sea missions.
The Dongguan was commissioned to the PLA Navy together with another Type 055, the Anqing (Hull 110). With these additions, the number of China's Type 055 10,000-ton-class destroyers has risen to 10 since the first Type 055 destroyer Nanchang (Hull 101) was commissioned in 2020.
China's newly commissioned Type 055 destroyer Donggaun completes 1st maritime training
