TL;DR
A visitor toured REK’s upcoming San Francisco store, witnessing humanoid robots in action, including fighting demos, dancing, and football. The company focuses solely on civilian entertainment applications.
REK, a startup focused on humanoid robot entertainment, provided a sneak peek of its upcoming San Francisco store, where robots will be used for fighting, dancing, and interactive demos. This visit confirmed the company’s plans to launch the first physical retail space dedicated to humanoid robots in the US, emphasizing entertainment over military use.
The visit included a tour of the store under construction, with a central cage planned for robot fights, along with areas for demonstrations and sales. REK’s robots, controlled via VR headsets or gamepads, are primarily Chinese-made, with units like the Unitree humanoid robot available for less than $20,000, reflecting increased accessibility and democratization of robotics. The company aims to sell, rent, and repair robots, offering entertainment and service in one location.
During the visit, several robots were showcased, including a fighting robot capable of quick stand-up from any position, a dancing robot performing Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It,’ and a football-playing robot chasing a ball with enthusiasm. A small humanoid robot also demonstrated playful behaviors, such as dancing and detecting touch, highlighting the variety of entertainment options REK plans to offer. The company emphasizes that its robots are not designed for military applications, focusing solely on civilian entertainment.
Potential Impact of REK’s Robot Entertainment Venture
REK’s initiative to open the first humanoid robot retail and entertainment store in the US signals a shift towards mainstream acceptance of robotic entertainment. This could influence consumer perceptions of robots, expand the market for humanoid robots, and demonstrate new commercial uses outside military or industrial sectors. The company’s focus on fun, interactive experiences may accelerate public interest and investment in personal and entertainment robotics.
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Background on REK and Humanoid Robot Development
REK was founded by Cix Liv, with a focus on using humanoid robots for entertainment, notably robot fights with human-controlled robots in cages. The company has gained attention through sold-out events showcasing robot combat, and it plans to expand into retail with a physical store. The use of Chinese-made robots like Unitree reflects broader trends of affordable robotics democratization, contrasting with limited options available in the US. The company explicitly states it is not interested in military applications, emphasizing civilian entertainment as its primary goal.
“We want to make humanoid robots accessible for entertainment and fun, not for military use. Our focus is on creating engaging experiences for everyone.”
— Cix Liv
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Unconfirmed Details About Store Opening and Robot Capabilities
While the store is under construction, the exact opening date has not been announced. The full range of entertainment activities and services, beyond demos, remains to be seen. Additionally, the performance of the robots during actual fights or stunts is still in development, and it is unclear how advanced their capabilities will become before the store opens.
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Next Steps for REK’s Retail and Entertainment Plans
REK is expected to complete store construction soon and announce an official opening date. The company will likely showcase live robot fights and other entertainment features, and it may begin offering rentals and repairs to the public. Monitoring customer reactions and the robots’ performance during these events will be key to understanding the store’s success and future expansion.
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Key Questions
When will REK’s store in San Francisco open?
The exact opening date has not been officially announced yet, but it is expected to open soon as construction completes.
Are the robots used by REK capable of autonomous fighting?
No, currently the robots are controlled by humans using VR headsets or gamepads. Fully autonomous fighting is still in development.
Will the store only feature robot fights?
No, the store will offer various entertainment options, including dancing, playing football, and other interactive demos, alongside robot sales and repairs.
Are the robots used by REK designed for military or industrial purposes?
No, REK explicitly states its robots are solely for civilian entertainment and not intended for military or industrial applications.
What types of robots will be available in the store?
REK plans to sell and rent humanoid robots, including Chinese-made units like Unitree, and showcase various demo robots performing different entertainment functions.
Source: The Ghost Howls
