Chinese Firm Qingtianzhu Unveils Innovative 1 RMB Robot Rental Service Across Major Cities
In a significant advancement within the robotics sector, Qingtianzhu (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd. has launched a groundbreaking “1 RMB robot rental” service, available in ten major cities across China. This initiative aims to democratize access to humanoid robots and marks a pivotal step in the ongoing artificial intelligence and robotics boom of 2025. At approximately 14 cents in U.S. currency, the promotional price is designed to attract initial users and foster rapid adoption.
The rental service allows individuals and businesses to reserve humanoid robots through a simple QR code system, facilitating usage across various scenarios. Currently available cities include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Zhengzhou, Chengdu, Suzhou, Xiamen, and Chongqing. This model not only lowers entry barriers but also encourages a trial experience with humanoid robots in commercial and public settings.
According to Sina Finance, the 1 RMB fee is a marketing strategy aimed at introducing users to the concept of robot rentals rather than reflecting the actual cost of robot deployment. This “flash rental” model features swift booking, standardized service protocols, and dedicated personnel to ensure seamless operation at events.
Media outlets describe Qingtianzhu’s platform as a “robot Didi,” akin to China’s leading ride-hailing service, designed to efficiently connect demand from businesses and events with available robotic resources. The overarching vision is to establish a national robot leasing ecosystem that parallels the rapid growth seen in ride-hailing and sharing economies rather than traditional industrial procurement methods.
The true value of this initiative lies in its potential for widespread distribution and usage. By promoting short-term rentals, Qingtianzhu aims to gather operational data, streamline workflows, and expose a larger audience to the practical applications of humanoid robots. This innovative pricing model could serve as a loss leader, paving the way for increased interest in longer-term rentals and specialized robotic services.
While the U.S. faces challenges in establishing similar robot rental services, companies like Tesla Inc. have made strides with their Optimus robots, though significant updates remain scarce. As China’s robotics industry advances, Western firms must accelerate their efforts to keep pace. With artificial intelligence continuously evolving, the prospect of integrating robots into everyday life appears increasingly feasible, especially in China, where the dream of having a robot in every household is rapidly approaching reality.
