Embodied AI robots deployed in shopping mall to provide assistance

In a large mixed-use commercial complex in Shanghai, a group of embodied AI robots have been deployed in recent days, allowing shoppers to experience a unique, tech-infused festive spirit up close during the Spring Festival.

With a writing brush, a robot skillfully crafted personalized Spring Festival blessings stroke by stroke, leaving spectators in awe.

"It's my first time to see a robot write 'Fu' characters. It's truly incredible. The writing is really good, which took me by surprise. It's also a wonderful New Year wish sent to us by a robot. It's very meaningful," said a shopper.

The robots are not just good at calligraphy but also great helpers for shoppers. Equipped with advanced voice interaction and intelligent navigation systems, they can accurately generate detailed shopping lists based on consumer requests and provide one-on-one dedicated shopping assistance. They accompany shoppers throughout the process and plan the optimal route.

They can also assist consumers with tasks like picking up items, placing orders, and providing payment guidance, making the shopping experience both easy and carefree.

"During this Spring Festival period, nearly 1,000 robots are being deployed in over 100 cities across the country. Our goal is not only to provide citizens with more convenient shopping services but also, through technological means, to add an extra touch of thoughtfulness to the traditional festival. We want people to feel more warmth and convenience in their lives through technology as they shop for New Year's goods," said Lyu Suhe, vice president of Zhiyuan Lingxi product line, developer of the robots.

During the Spring Festival, robot service scenarios are on the rise, pushing up demand in transportation and deployment. Data from on-demand truck-hailing platform Huolala shows that in January this year, the volume of transportation orders completed by robots among its partner companies went up 46.9 percent year on year. Robot applications were more active in cities such as Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Dongguan, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Guangzhou.

The Spring Festival marks the beginning of the traditional Chinese New Year, which will begin on Feb 17. As the Spring Festival approaches, an increase in various activities like corporate annual meetings and mall openings has also led to a significant upward trend in the robot rental market.

Embodied AI robots deployed in shopping mall to provide assistance

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival