Foreign visitors come to Shenzhen to 'try the future'

The buzz of tiny electric motors and a mechanical clicks can be heard as a robot moves to mix and pour a drink for a visitor in a Shenzhen high-tech showroom. Meanwhile, other visitors test AI glasses and play electronic soccer. 

Such hands-on encounters are turning innovation into a tourist experience for international travelers looking beyond conventional sightseeing.

A focal point is a four-story 6S robot store in Longgang district, which claims to be the first of its kind in the world. Opened in July last year, it costs 49 yuan ($7.30) for a self-guided visit and 568 yuan for a full-access pass.

The outlet brings together humanoid and service robots designed for homes, restaurants, healthcare, eldercare and more. Visitors can steer robotic dogs through obstacle courses, compete in robotic boxing and then watch machines do all the cooking, serve the food and welcome the diners. 

Here, the future is no distant concept but something visitors can see, touch and talk to.

Cheng Jiayi, Zhang Xuechun and Mo Ziyue contributed to this story.