Shanghai's major shopping areas are evolving beyond traditional retail destinations into spaces where visitors can experience the latest consumer technologies firsthand. Wearable exoskeletons, AI glasses, and robots are moving from labs and industry exhibitions into malls, department stores, and lifestyle hubs across the city.

The shift is strengthening the connection between technological innovation and consumer demand while making emerging technologies more accessible, intuitive, and engaging for the public.

During the May Day holiday, exoskeleton brand ULS Robotics unveiled its first consumer-grade product at Wujiaochang in Yangpu district as part of an AI tech event. Visitors lined up to try the device, walking through the mall atrium and climbing stairs to experience its capabilities.

Designed for city walks, hiking, and other everyday scenarios, the product can recognize a user's walking patterns within just a few steps and help reduce physical strain.

Similar experiences are emerging across Shanghai.

At MetAI Hub AI Matrix Store in Zhangjiang Science City, visitors can explore a wide range of AI-powered products. AI glasses have become particularly popular as features such as display, translation, photography, and navigation are easier to appreciate through direct interaction.

Along Xuhui Riverside, Z·Pilot has established itself as a launch platform for new tech products since opening more than a year ago, giving brands a direct channel to engage with consumers.

Tech-driven experiences are also bringing fresh energy to traditional shopping areas. On West Nanjing Road, Unitree Robotics is expected to open its first embodied intelligence experience store in Asia at Jiuguang Department Store, where visitors will be able to interact with a range of robotics products.

In the same commercial area, Arc'teryx presented its first outdoor sports exoskeleton garment at the Arc'teryx Museum, combining outdoor sports, fashion, and tech.

For brands, these offline spaces help shorten the journey from product development to market adoption by allowing consumers to test products, ask questions, and provide immediate feedback.

As more consumer tech brands move into Shanghai’s shopping areas, the city’s malls are increasingly becoming spaces where people can experience the future of everyday life before it fully arrives.

Where to explore

Zhangjiang Science City: MetAI Hub AI Matrix Store

Xuhui Riverside: Z·Pilot tech lifestyle experience store

West Nanjing Road: Unitree Robotics experience store at Jiuguang Department Store, Arc'teryx Museum

*Please check the latest opening information before visiting.

Source: Shanghai Observer