Expo + Future = Haibao Robots

Given that the Shanghai Expo is supposed to represent the future, it was only a matter of time before we were inundated with robots. Shanghai has kindly delivered robots, and not just any robots: Haibao robots!

One of these mechanical Haibaos (which, in our opinion, looks roughly like a gas pump) made its entrance at Shanghai’s Infinity Plaza in all its robot-glory.

There will be thirty-seven of its kind at both international airports and Expo venues. The touch screens on their chests offer Expo-related information and transport options in six languages, presumably with beaming Haibao-smiles on their faces. They also - in our favorite function - take pictures for their users. Unfortunately, despite the resemblance, there seem to be no reports of whether they can dress up and make us food Jetsons-style.