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Mon, 06 Jul 2026

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 Robots available for rent: But what can they do?

Robotics tech is changing fast, so for many it makes sense to rent a robot.
Robotics companies are introducing new rental options for hospitals, farms, and homes, making it possible for people to use advanced robots without having to buy them outright. In US hospitals, a robot called Moxi has become a familiar sight, delivering medical supplies with ease. The company that makes Moxi offers the robot as part of a "robotics-as-a-service" package, which includes maintenance and upgrades. Similar options are available for farms and homes. For example, a Chinese company called 1X is offering its home helper robot NEO for rent, starting at $499 per month. Renting robots has several advantages. It allows people to keep up with rapidly changing technology, without having to worry about the cost of buying new equipment every year. It also removes the need for technical expertise, as the manufacturer or rental platform handles maintenance and upgrades. Robot rentals are becoming increasingly popular, not just for personal use but also in industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. Companies like Formic, which offers industrial robots on a subscription basis, argue that this model levels the playing field for smaller businesses that couldn't afford to buy expensive equipment outright. Humanoid robots, designed to look and behave like humans, are also being rented out for various purposes, including entertainment and customer service. These rentals often come with additional services such as training and maintenance. As robotics technology continues to advance, it's likely that more companies will offer rental options for their products. This shift is driven by the need for affordable access to cutting-edge tech, as well as the desire to keep up with rapidly changing market trends.