On Thursday, Beijing E-Town launched a smart elderly care robotics station, where robots are being introduced into real service settings to assist with the aging population. Described as the first of its kind in the world, the new facility in Ronghua subdistrict is designed to be a working neighborhood care site.

It has been set up in an area with a clear aging profile. Ronghua has about 13,000 residents aged 60 and above, accounting for more than 20 percent of the population, with some communities reaching 35 percent, according to Li Changfeng, Party secretary of the subdistrict's working committee.

The four-story facility introduced more than 40 robotic products from 24 companies. It combines meal, rehabilitation, and adult day care services and even includes an age-friendly model home and a childcare area.

The opening day drew crowds of residents keen to try the devices.