South Korean convenience store chain GS25, operated by GS Retail, has begun selling humanoid robots through its retail channel as part of a curated lineup of more than 130 Family Month items. The retailer is offering 11 robot products, including the AI social robot Liku, a G1 humanoid robot, an Air quadruped walking robot, and Ailico robot keyrings. According to GS Retail, this marks the first time humanoid robots are being sold through the convenience store format in the country.
Liku, positioned as the flagship product, is a Korean-developed AI social robot equipped with conversation and emotion-expression capabilities, with target use cases in children’s education and elderly care. The broader robot lineup ranges from full-sized humanoid and quadruped platforms to smaller form factors such as keyring devices designed for portable, low-stakes interaction. The robots are being offered alongside non-technology items including pure gold and silver bars, Korean beef, seafood, and fruits as part of the chain’s Family Month promotion.
The move signals a shift in how consumer-facing robotics products are reaching the mass market in South Korea. Rather than being confined to specialty retailers, electronics chains, or direct-from-manufacturer sales, robots are now being positioned alongside everyday consumer goods. This approach treats robots as gift or lifestyle items, lowering the perceived barrier for first-time buyers and broadening the distribution surface for early-stage humanoid and social robot products.
Whether the convenience store channel becomes a meaningful sales pathway for humanoid robots will depend on price points, after-sales support, and consumer interest beyond the initial promotional window. Still, the listing reflects the maturation of South Korea’s domestic robotics ecosystem and the willingness of major retailers to test embodied AI products in formats traditionally reserved for fast-moving consumer goods.
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