An interactive robot show has drawn out large crowds in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, with a range of vibrant activities demonstrating the rapid evolution of the robotics sector while offering a glimpse into how these robots could soon completely transform the service sector.

The event, held in the city's Longgang District from Thursday to Saturday, was part of a wider robot expo launched by the China Media Group (CMG) showcasing the latest generation of humanoids and other advanced robots.

At the event, visitors were able to not only compete with robots in football matches and sample robot-made ice cream and beverages, but also learn how such technologies could come to both help simplify and enrich our daily life.

"I think robots will enter our households very soon. They could become the next smart product after smart cars, capable of handling household chores and even more tasks," said a local resident surnamed Zhu.

"I'm very surprised with what robots here can do. I think it's very, very developed, and you are doing things very well and very fast. I'm very surprised," said George, a Spanish tourist.

Many leading Chinese robotics companies presented their latest nanny robot models and core technical solutions at the event, allowing visitors the chance to not only observe this technology up close but also speak directly with research and development teams to gain a deeper insight into the latest industrial development.

Shenzhen's Longgang District is already home to the world's first "6S" robot store, which opened in July. In addition to the traditional "sale, spare part, service and survey" functions, it has added two new services: on-demand leasing and fully customized products, according to its operator, the Shenzhen Future Times Robotics company.

Zhao Bingbing, director of the Shenzhen Longgang District Artificial Intelligence (Robotics) Administration, said plans are underway to make this area a leading hub for the industry.

"We aim to develop this district into a national benchmark -- with the highest density of robotic applications and the greatest level of accessibility to robotics technology nationwide," he said.