A screenshot shows a feature story about Shenzhen technology showroom INNO100 published on TIME.com on Aug. 5. TIME.com

　　A feature story published on TIME.com has put the spotlight on INNO100, a Shenzhen technology showroom that seeks to bring artificial intelligence and emerging hardware into everyday life.

　　Published Aug. 5, the article presents INNO100 as a bridge between global technology brands, Chinese consumers and Shenzhen’s broader innovation ecosystem. It says the venue aims to take AI “off the screen” and place it directly in the hands of the public.

　　Located at Shenzhen Bay Culture Square in Nanshan District, INNO100 combines technology retail, hands-on demonstrations, customization services, product launches and community events. The article describes it as Kickstarter’s first authorized offline store in China.

　　Bringing AI within reach

　　A child interacts with a quadruped robot at INNO100, where visitors can get hands-on experience with emerging technology products. Photos courtesy of INNO100

　　Rather than following the conventional retail model of displaying products on shelves or behind glass, INNO100 encourages visitors to operate, compare and explore emerging technologies in settings reflecting their potential everyday uses.

　　Its two main areas serve different purposes. Zone A features customization workstations and smart-home settings designed to demonstrate how intelligent devices can fit into daily life. Zone B functions as a community hub with technology-inspired art installations and multi-functional event spaces.

　　Products highlighted in the TIME.com article include the Eight Sleep Pod 5, an AI-powered sleep system that automatically adjusts overnight temperatures, as well as robots from Unitree Robotics and desktop 3D printers from Bambu Lab.

　　From purchasing to creating

　　The article also draws attention to INNO100’s effort to move consumers beyond simply selecting and purchasing standardized products.

　　Its customization workstation is equipped with 3D printers, laser engravers, UV and DTF printers, and computer numerical control machines. Visitors can use names, images, colors and other designs to personalize selected products, according to INNO100.

　　The service is part of what the company calls its “Innovation Retail 4.0” model, which combines product sales with customization, hands-on experiences and participation in the creative process.

　　A collage shows equipment and customized products at INNO100’s customization workstation, which features tools including 3D printers, laser engravers and digital printing machines.

　　Connecting brands with early users

　　Another focus of the TIME.com article is INNO100’s role as an offline launch and testing venue. Its “First Launch” model allows hardware companies to demonstrate new products, explain their functions and collect feedback from early users before pursuing broader market expansion.

　　INNO100 said it has staged more than 10 product-launch events under the program. Visitors can try products, ask questions and make comparisons, while participating brands can connect with consumers, content creators, distributors and industry partners.

　　The company also says it has partnered with more than 20 brands to bring innovative and highly experiential products to Shenzhen Bay. Its services range from launch planning and participant recruitment to content production, promotion, distribution connections and feedback collection.

　　According to the TIME.com article, the venue provides global technology brands with a physical setting in which to introduce products to Chinese consumers and understand the local market.

　　Visitors watch an equipment demonstration at INNO100, whose interactive approach to technology retail was highlighted in the TIME.com article.

　　The team behind the concept

　　The article also introduces INNO100’s founding team, whose members have experience in crowdfunding, product incubation, international marketing and brand development.

　　They include Baron Wang, founder of Longham Group; Wayne Zhang, a co-founder of the group; and Henri Pang, a founding partner of INNO100 and senior adviser to Kickstarter China.

　　Pang was involved in developing the AI-enabled Spectra X electric skateboard, which was included in TIME’s list of the 100 Best Inventions of 2019.

　　The article argues that the success of consumer technology depends not only on sophisticated algorithms and engineering but also on whether people can “touch it, understand it” and incorporate it into their daily lives.

　　By bringing products, developers and users together in a physical setting, INNO100 seeks to make emerging technology more tangible while offering global brands a point of entry into Shenzhen’s consumer and innovation markets.

　　Visitors explore INNO100’s customization area, which allows consumers to personalize selected products using digital fabrication tools.

　　Plan your visit

　　Add.: Level 1, North Hall, Shenzhen Bay Culture Square, 2516 Keyuan South Road, Nanshan District (南山区科苑南路2516号深圳湾文化广场北馆1楼)

　　Metro: Talent Park Station (人才公园站), Line 13

　　Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

　　Reservations: No advance reservation required