Robots "rush to spring" as the rental market eagerly awaits technological upgrades

Source: China News Service

Jinan, April 1 (Xinhuanet/China News Service) (Reporter Zhao Xiao) “‘Qingdao, Beijing, Nanjing…’ In March this year, they ‘went on business trips’ nearly 20 times.” At the Jinan Future Robot 6S Center, store manager Wei Ziyao points to several humanoid robots behind him and says that this year, the “density” of robots at various scenic spots has been continuously increasing, and the leasing market is growing increasingly hot.

Traditional Hanfu-dance performances, martial arts shows, flower-sea companionship for visitors, and fun interactive activities—these robot “performers” have all their skills “maxed out,” becoming the “traffic driver” in the springtime. From the production line to the market end, leasing is becoming the “first bridge” for robots to “enter” everyday life for the general public through intelligence.

On March 21, at Qingdao Forest Wild Animal World in Shandong, intelligent robots and robot dogs brought dance performances to visitors. Yu Fangping photographed.

Wei Ziyao said that the humanoid robots in the store can be customized with features such as voice and dance according to the needs of the scenic area, meeting visitors’ needs for interaction and delivering “emotional value.” “Our Qingming Festival and ‘May Day’ holiday rental orders are already fully booked this year, and we’ve also purchased 12 new robots.”

Ji Yongcheng, a “post-90s” young entrepreneur engaged in robot leasing and sales, told the reporter that because robots differ in models and functions, rental prices also vary, currently ranging from 2,000 yuan per day to 10,000 yuan (RMB, the same applies below). “The earliest was 15,000 to 20,000 yuan to rent for one day, but now you can clearly feel that as the supply of robots increases, rental prices gradually fall.”

While rental rates decline, robot technology continues to upgrade, and functions grow more diversified. “For example, we have a 1.7-meter-tall full-size humanoid robot that can guide visitors around a scenic area, dance, and write, and it can also communicate with visitors without barriers—listening to and understanding all kinds of commands.” Ji Yongcheng said that robots’ capabilities iterate quickly, adding confidence for those in the industry to invest in the leasing market.

At the Taishan mountain-climbing assist robot leasing point at “The Most Honored of the Five Mountains,” visitors are putting on “iron extra attachments.” This equipment relies on principles from biomechanics and AI algorithms. It can provide 30% to 50% leg assistance for climbers, and is also known as an “exoskeleton robot.”

On March 26, at Taishan in Shandong, visitors climb while wearing exoskeleton robots. Wang Jincheng photographed.

“Visitors are becoming more and more accepting of new technology. Now Taishan has deployed 500 exoskeleton robots in total. During holiday periods and weekend travel peaks, the robots’ highest daily turnover rate exceeds 150%, and the experience group covers all age groups.” Li Gang, the project leader for the exoskeleton robot program of the Taishan Culture and Tourism Group, said that areas across the country are exploring the integrated development model of “culture and tourism + technology.” Several mountain-type scenic spots have already sent representatives to Taishan for inspection and exchange, and they plan to introduce exoskeleton robot projects to create distinctive highlights for their scenic areas.

He Zeyia, director and professor of the Department of Culture and Tourism at Shandong University’s School of Management, believes that as robots’ skills become increasingly rich, their role at scenic spots is no longer limited to “driving traffic.” They will also become service tools and experience carriers that run through every stage of visiting, interaction, and consumption. “For example, they can recommend personalized activities based on visitors’ interests, plan the optimal routes, and even help with booking dining and performances—making it easier and more worry-free for visitors to enjoy their trip. They can also tell historical stories in a personified way, communicate with foreign visitors in multiple languages, and promote cultural exchange.”

According to data, in 2025, China newly established more than 1,500 robot leasing companies, a year-on-year increase of 48.1%. With Chinese robots appearing frequently in scenic spots, streets, business districts, and campuses—advancing toward large-scale application at a faster pace in a more intelligent and more widely accessible form. (End)

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