A visitor interacts with an intelligent machine during the World Internet Conference Open Day in Beijing on Wednesday. CHEN XIAOGEN/FOR CHINA DAILY
At a technology bazaar in Longfusi, a Beijing cultural landmark dating back nearly 600 years and once home to one of the city's most important temple fairs, a compact camping cart rolled quietly and independently through the crowd, keeping a steady distance from its user and steering around people in its path.
Zhang Lei, a local camping enthusiast, was impressed enough to place an order on the spot. At less than 2,000 yuan ($294), the model he chose is priced lower than a typical midrange smartphone.
"Pulling a cart loaded with tents and cooking gear for several kilometers used to be exhausting," Zhang said.
"This one follows you and automatically avoids obstacles, leaving your hands free. It works even better than I expected, and the price is affordable."
