Renting Robots Is the Future: How Subscription Models Are Changing Automation

The idea of renting a robot once sounded like science fiction. Today, it is a fast-growing industry.

Businesses across healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and domestic services are increasingly choosing robot rental over outright purchase, drawn by lower costs, built-in maintenance, and the freedom to upgrade as technology rapidly evolves.

What Is Robotics-as-a-Service and How Does It Work?

Robot rental operates under a model known as robotics-as-a-service. Rather than buying a machine outright, customers pay a monthly or subscription fee covering the robot, servicing, software upgrades, and remote technical support.

Are Hospitals Already Deploying Rented Robots on Their Floors?

Further along than most people realise. Texas-based Diligent Robotics has approximately 100 units of its hospital delivery robot Moxi operating across US medical facilities on a rental basis.

According to the company's chief operating officer Todd Brugger, the model lowers financial outlay for hospitals while ensuring they always benefit from the latest software improvements, as per the BBC.

Can You Rent a Humanoid Robot for Your Next Event?

Humanoid robots are increasingly available for short-term rental, particularly for entertainment.

According to Counterpoint Research associate director Ethan Qi, humanoid dance performances are among the more accessible use cases, with robots trained by recording real dancers and replicating their movements, BBC reported.

Is a Robot Subscription for Your Home on the Table?

California-based 1X is already offering its home helper robot NEO at either an outright price of $20,000 or a monthly subscription of $499.

The subscription model is designed to make domestic robotics accessible to a far wider audience.

What Makes Renting Smarter Than Buying a Robot Outright?

The speed of innovation is the central argument. Robotics companies release new hardware models annually, making owned robots obsolete quickly.

Renting allows customers to access the newest iteration continuously without requiring in-house technical expertise.

Are Smaller Manufacturers Also Getting Access Through Rentals?

Yes, Chicago-based Formic operates a fleet of over 250 industrial robots on a robotics-as-a-service basis.

According to chief revenue officer Shawn Fitzgerald, the flat monthly payment model levels the playing field for smaller manufacturers who could not previously afford factory robotics outright, as per the BBC.

Is China Already Ahead of Everyone Else on Robot Rentals?

China is widely considered the early leader. Shanghai-based Agibot reportedly has its humanoids available for rent across 17 countries.

Outright purchases may still dominate in China, driven by government subsidies and large state-owned enterprise orders.

As robotics matures, the rental model appears set to become a permanent fixture. The question is no longer whether robots will enter everyday life, but how soon your next subscription will include one.

(With inputs from yMedia)