Sichuan's top convenience store chain's robot vending venture has failed.

What happened: Hongqi Chain, a Sichuan convenience store chain, said in early July 2026 that it is ending development of its robot unmanned vending system, 16 months after announcing the project in March 2025. Key numbers: The project was announced in March 2025 and terminated in early July 2026. Why it matters: Hongqi said the system had not reached the standard for large-scale commercial rollout and will shift to scaled operation of 24-hour remote-staffed stores. Industry sources cited robot limits with real shelves, such as glass bottles and complex packaging.

Hongqi Chain, a Sichuan convenience store chain, said in early July 2026 that it is ending development of its robot unmanned vending system, 16 months after announcing the project in March 2025.

Hongqi said the system had not reached the standard for large-scale commercial rollout and will shift to scaled operation of 24-hour remote-staffed stores. Industry sources cited robot limits with real shelves, such as glass bottles and complex packaging.