Robots Hit the Streets of Xiamen to Attract Customers with Interactive Performances

Robots on the Streets: Engaging Customers in Xiamen

Reporter Observation: Robots are attracting customers on the streets, providing a novel way to draw in traffic.

“Look, it can even dance!” On Zhongshan Road, a robot carrying a delivery bag captured the attention of numerous visitors. Dressed in attire featuring the store’s branding, the robot slowly moved through the crowd, waving occasionally and dancing to music. Children approached curiously, young tourists raised their phones to capture the moment, and passersby inquired, “Which store is this from?”

Compared to traditional methods like handing out flyers or shouting promotions outside a store, this interactive robot, capable of walking, dancing, and engaging with people, is far more noticeable in the bustling pedestrian area. The robot, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt bearing the store’s name, effectively serves as a “mobile signboard.”

The robot hails from a restaurant on Zhongshan Road. The regional manager, Li Mo, shared that the robot primarily operates in front of the restaurant. “Normally, the battery of this Yushu G1 robot lasts about two hours, but we have spare batteries, allowing it to operate for four to five hours a day,” Li explained. The store has purchased two robots in total.

The idea emerged when the owner saw the robot performing a dance and thought that since they needed to promote the business, the robot could take on that task. After the Spring Festival, the restaurant began experimenting with sending the robot into the streets for interactions. Many citizens and tourists have limited opportunities to encounter robots, so when one appears, it quickly attracts attention.

To keep the robot engaging, the restaurant regularly upgrades its software and hardware to introduce new dances and interactions. “Our latest upgrade added ballet and mechanical dance moves, making its performance smoother,” Li said. From their observations, the robot has indeed increased foot traffic, with many curious visitors entering the restaurant to make purchases.

Visitor Reactions: The “First Impression” is Compelling and Can Drive Sales

Can the robot genuinely captivate consumers? Many visitors provided their insights. Huang Huancheng, a tourist from Sichuan, was captivated by the robot. She noted that compared to traditional flyers, the robot’s performance in branded clothing was much more eye-catching. “I’ve seen robot dog performances in other places before, but this kind of street promotion in partnership with a store is quite rare. If there were staff nearby to guide us, we would definitely want to check it out,” she said.

Another visitor from Shanghai, Ji Guifa, emphasized that he had a lasting impression of robots after seeing their performance during the Spring Festival. “Seeing the robot perform in person was refreshing. Its ability to interact with citizens and tourists by shaking hands and dancing is definitely a highlight.” He believed that while the robot might not directly lead to immediate sales, it would at least help the store stand out among many options.

As competition in the restaurant industry intensifies, the use of robots to attract customers is becoming more common. Increasingly, businesses are recognizing the importance of making a strong “first impression.” Storefront design, interactive installations, short video marketing, and live performances are all new strategies for attracting foot traffic.

Expert Opinion: Technological Appeal is Fresh, But Order and Safety Must Be Considered

According to Zeng Sheng, Vice President of the Xiamen Restaurant Industry Association, for dining establishments in tourist areas, consumers are often in a “walking and choosing” mode. The quicker a business can be noticed, the higher the chance of being selected. The robot offers more than just a technological gimmick; when visitors capture videos and share them on social media, the store’s exposure can extend from the street to online platforms.

However, since this is a commercial activity in public spaces, it’s important to balance “eye-catching” elements with maintaining order and safety. Zeng advised that businesses should ensure proper supervision and risk alerts when using robots for demonstrations to avoid disrupting foot traffic or creating safety hazards.

“While robots can address some issues related to drawing customers and efficiency, the warmth brought by human service remains a core aspect that restaurant owners cannot overlook,” he cautioned. Ultimately, once the initial novelty fades, repeat business will depend on the quality of food, service experience, and perceived value.