World's first robot 6S store opens in south China's Shenzhen

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

China's eastern coastal provinces have intensified typhoon prevention and response efforts as Typhoon Bavi, the ninth of the year, approaches with strong winds and heavy rain.

In Jiangsu, the provincial maritime safety administration raised its emergency response to Level III, a status requiring suspension of operations and evacuation of personnel in exposed areas, late Thursday. All waterway activity along the Yangtze River section was halted, vessels were directed to nearby shelters, and more than 600 workers on the Zhangjinggao Yangtze River Bridge project were evacuated from island construction sites.

The river, normally crowded with traffic, was largely empty Friday as vessels under 80 meters were placed under traffic control and others sought refuge in inland waterways and anchorages. By noon, all above‑ and below‑water construction and sea trials had been halted, and fishery authorities ordered coastal boats back to port by 6 p.m., completing the evacuation of 1,149 personnel from 267 construction vessels.

"Since July 8, we have evacuated about 500 vessels from anchorages, mooring areas, and ports within our jurisdiction. We have also deployed six patrol boats and 15 high-horsepower tugboats to standby points for 24-hour emergency readiness to handle all types of contingencies," said Li Yasai, director of the command center at the Jiangyin Maritime Safety Administration.

Major infrastructure projects also advanced evacuation plans. Work on the Zhangjinggao Bridge, set to be the world’s longest‑span suspension bridge, was suspended at 4 p.m. Thursday, with more than 600 island‑based workers ferried to resettlement sites and all personnel evacuated by midnight.

Meanwhile in Shanghai, where Typhoon Bavi is expected to bring significant wind and rainfall from July 11 to 13, authorities reinforced defenses across key sectors.

In Pudong New Area, the fire and rescue department inspected flood‑control vehicles and boats, stocked life jackets and lighting gear, and reinforced doors and windows in older high‑rise communities. Additionally, sandbags and barriers were laid in water‑prone neighborhoods, while emergency teams in Chongming checked equipment for clearing fallen trees.

In Jinshan District, inspectors focused on hazardous‑chemical warehouses, testing emergency pumps and verifying flood‑control supplies.

China's eastern provinces step up defenses as Typhoon Bavi approaches