BEIJING (SCMP): An influencer in China rented a 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) humanoid robot for a day to cook, clean, and go on a date with him, sparking curiosity online.
Zhang Genyuan, 25, an economics graduate from New York University, gained fame after appearing on a mainland dating reality show in 2022.
He now shares his travel adventures on mainland social media, where he has attracted more than 1.4 million followers.
On March 13, Zhang posted a video of himself spending a day with a humanoid robot, which quickly gained more than 40,000 likes.
He revealed that he paid 10,000 yuan to rent the G1, one of China’s most advanced humanoid robots, for a day.
Priced at 99,000 yuan (US$14,000), G1 was released by Unitree Robotics, a company based in Hangzhou in eastern China, on May 13, last year.
Standing 127cm tall and weighing 35kg, it boasts agility, and can even perform martial arts moves.
Many users of a mainland second-hand trading platform have bought the G1 and offer rental services, with prices ranging from 8,000 to 16,000 yuan (US$1,100 to US$2,200) per day.
Inspired by sci-fi films depicting robots living with humans, Zhang decided to rent G1 to see if such a lifestyle could become a reality.
In the video, he activates G1, which is lying on the floor and commands it to stand up. The robot folds its limbs and rises to its feet.
Crying over spilled milk: G1 gets into a spot of bother in the kitchen. - RedNote
G1 then greets him enthusiastically: “Hello, Mr Zhang, nice to meet you,” then lists its abilities, cooking, cleaning, and accompanying Zhang for meals and shopping.
When Zhang asks if G1 knew who he was, the robot lists his profession and follower count, even complimenting his work.
Zhang laughed: “It has not even started serving me yet, and it is already flattering me!”
Things took a comical turn when G1 clumsily cracked eggs and spilled milk while helping with cooking. The robot also struggled with sweeping and mopping, often bumping into Zhang.
Zhang then took G1 out for a walk, holding its hand as they strolled down the street. The robot expertly avoids obstacles, and even runs after him.
When Zhang asks G1 to dance, the robot drifts away during the performance, then apologises for losing control.
Zhang reassured it, saying he was not upset to which G1 replied: “I know you are not mad at me. It is just that I did not do well enough.”
Touched by G1’s sincerity, Zhang said: “I will not need a girlfriend to provide emotional value anymore.”
G1 has a relaxing drink with Zhang as the pair take a break by the riverside. -RedNote
As dusk falls on a fine day, G1 gives Zhang a friendly hug before heading home. RedNote
As the day ends, they walk by a river, with Zhang ordering two drinks to “share” with G1.
“The robot makes me feel no loneliness at all,” he said.
The video ends with G1 giving Zhang a hug, and Zhang expressing: “I have to return you tomorrow. I am going to miss you.”
One online observer said: “It seems G1 is not great at housework, but it is a fantastic listener and friend.”
“10,000 yuan for a day? Zhang, come rent me instead, I only need 800 yuan (US$110) a day. I can cook, clean, and even help with kids’ homework,” another said.
Such rental services are booming in China. In February, humanoid robots even joined human police officers on patrol in southern China, while online videos show one robot delivering a wedding ring and another toasting party guests. - South China Morning Post
