LONDON: Robot rentals are expanding as robotics companies offer machines for hospitals, factories, farms, events and home support through subscription-style services.
The model, called robotics-as-a-service, bundles the robot, software updates, service and maintenance into one deal.
Diligent Robotics uses the model for Moxi, a one-armed, four-foot hospital robot that moves medical supplies. Todd Brugger, the company’s chief operating officer, said about 100 Moxi robots operate in hospitals.
Brugger said the rental model reduces upfront costs for hospitals. He also said the company routinely updates Moxi’s software and capabilities.
The coverage periods can range from a day to several years. Companies offer machines for hospital deliveries, robot bartending, autonomous farm weeding and event entertainment.
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Humanoid robots remain early-stage products, so companies mostly rent them for defined tasks.
Ethan Qi, associate director at Counterpoint Research in Beijing, said dance routines are easier because engineers can train robots from video.
California-based 1X plans to ship its NEO home helper robot later this year. Early-access customers in the US can buy one for $20,000 or pay $499 per month.
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Dar Sleeper, 1X vice president of product and design, said subscriptions lower the upfront cost for more customers.
Chicago-based Formic operates more than 250 industrial robots under a robot-as-a-service model. Shawn Fitzgerald, the company’s chief revenue officer, said the company covers replacement if a robot arm fails.
Shanghai-based Agibot says its humanoid robots are available for rent in 17 countries, including the UK.
