Again and again we spot robots at sales stands, selling ice cream or coffee. You tap your credit card or phone, and the robot arms start swinging. The only problem: all instructions are in Chinese—and sometimes instead of coffee, you get tea.
Entertainment for kids
Now Sylvia wants to see the real robots (she’s probably already scouting for a future kitchen helper). We hear about a shop in Shenzhen that actually sells robots. When we arrive, lots of small kids are already there with their grandparents, waiting for the daily show of “Bao,” the little robot dog. Cutting-edge high tech… as children’s entertainment
John Travolta
And then it gets even better: a dancing “John Travolta” robot steps onto the stage and shows off his moves. We’re impressed—and yes, we’re allowed to take a selfie. What would be presented in Europe as a futuristic lab prototype is, in China, simply something to keep kids amused.
Buy yourself a robot
And yes, in the shop you can actually buy robots for different purposes. Some can play the piano, others are mainly designed as toys for children.
