News summary produced by Claude AI
Robotics companies are increasingly offering machines on a rental or subscription basis rather than requiring outright purchases, a model known as robotics-as-a-service. Under this arrangement, customers gain access to robots along with bundled maintenance, software updates, and technical support for monthly or usage-based fees.
In healthcare settings, Diligent Robotics has placed approximately 100 units of Moxi, a one-armed hospital robot that transports medical supplies, through rental agreements. The company notes that subscription models reduce upfront capital expenditures and allow hospitals to benefit from ongoing software improvements. Robot rentals are becoming available across various sectors and timeframes, including entertainment applications such as humanoid robots that perform at events, farm automation equipment, and robot bartenders.
Humanoid robots represent a growing segment of the rental market. California-based 1X plans to begin shipping its home helper robot NEO, offering customers the choice between a $20,000 purchase or $499 monthly subscription. Industry analysts note that rental arrangements address the rapid pace of technological advancement, allowing users to access newer models without being locked into obsolete equipment. Subscribers also avoid the need for specialized technical expertise, as manufacturers handle troubleshooting and maintenance.
Beyond humanoids, industrial robot rentals are gaining traction. Chicago-based Formic operates a fleet of over 250 industrial robots under service agreements, covering all maintenance and replacement costs through flat monthly payments. This model has expanded access to factory automation for smaller companies that previously could not afford significant capital investments. Some rental schemes are emerging that tie fees directly to labor savings, creating performance-based pricing structures.
For manufacturers, rental models provide opportunities to test products in real-world conditions and collect operational data, particularly valuable for still-developing humanoid technology. Chinese companies, which lead the humanoid sector, have begun offering rentals internationally through partner businesses, with some making machines available across multiple countries. However, outright purchases remain common in certain markets, particularly in China where government subsidies incentivize buying rather than renting.