Menas Group deploys ‘super-canine’ robots, marking retail 4.0 milestone in Vietnam

Following a standout debut at the Spring Flower Street opening ceremony, Menas Group has officially deployed its “super-canine” duo - two Unitree Go2 Pro quadruped robots named Meme and Nana - across its service ecosystem.

The move represents a strategic leap in enhancing customer experience through Industry 4.0 technologies, positioning Menas Group among the first organizations in Vietnam to own and operate the world’s most advanced bio-inspired quadruped robots.

Meme and Nana are part of the first batch of five Unitree Go2 Pro robots to enter the Vietnamese market, underscoring Menas Group’s pioneering role and long-term commitment to high-tech applications in retail and services.

Their capabilities have been further elevated through the direct involvement of Menas’s in-house AI engineering team, which has trained the robots in customized performance and customer-interaction scenarios.

At the opening of the Menas - Tan Son Hoa Flower Street on the morning of January 31, 2026, at Menas Mall Saigon Airport, Meme and Nana captured public attention by performing the traditional “first footing” ritual.

Far from static showcases, the robots energized the event with dynamic, technology-driven performances. Powered by 12 joint motors, the duo executed synchronized dance routines, acrobatic movements, and even stood upright to greet visitors.

The fusion of Tet traditions with cutting-edge robotics created a striking visual experience, delighting both local residents and international tourists.

Explaining the vision behind the investment, Nguyen Duc Quynh, General Director of Menas Group, emphasized that the introduction of Meme and Nana goes far beyond a marketing initiative.

“This is a core element of our comprehensive digitalization strategy,” he said. “Menas aims to narrow the distance between humans and machines - turning advanced technologies into friendly, approachable companions in everyday life.”

According to Quynh, the presence of Meme and Nana at the Mena Gourmet Market chain and service lounges not only streamlines operations but also brings joy, excitement, and a sense of world-class care to every customer within the Menas ecosystem.

Immediately after the flower street event, Meme and Nana began their official duties at the premium Mena Gourmet Market chain, where they quickly received enthusiastic feedback. Equipped with the Intelligent Side-Follow System (ISS 2.0), the robots can accompany customers like personal assistants - transporting light items and guiding shoppers to specific aisles.

Thanh Hang, a loyal Mena Gourmet customer, shared her experience after being assisted by Nana during a weekend shopping trip. She noted that the robot navigated crowded spaces smoothly and even provided information on current promotions, making her shopping more convenient and cost-effective.

“Having a smart robotic dog walking beside me and carrying my basket made the trip more enjoyable and far less tiring,” she said while describing this experience as truly unique in Vietnam.

Compact yet powerful, the robots weigh just 15 kg while delivering a maximum torque of 45 N·m and speeds of up to 18 km/h. They can climb standard staircases, tackle slopes of up to 40 degrees, and automatically right themselves if toppled- even on challenging surfaces such as gravel or mud.

Beyond mobility, Meme and Nana are also trained performers, capable of dancing to music, executing acrobatics, and engaging in expressive interactions such as handshakes, playful gestures, or even forming heart shapes with their front legs.

Integrated with GPT technology, Meme and Nana can also understand and respond to natural language commands. Simple phrases such as “Come with me” or “Do a dance” are instantly recognized, blurring the line between machine and companion.

Looking ahead, Menas Group’s AI team plans to continue training and upgrading the robots’ software, enabling deeper participation in artistic performances and more personalized customer interactions. The initiative further reinforces Menas Group’s pioneering position at the forefront of Retail 4.0 in Vietnam.