In an age where technological advancements are reshaping industries, the emergence of robotics-as-a-service is gaining momentum, particularly in the healthcare sector. Diligent Robotics’ Moxi, a friendly and efficient robot, is leading the charge by not only enhancing patient care but also offering hospitals an affordable rental option that aligns with the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Moxi: A Familiar Face in Healthcare
Across various hospitals in the United States, Moxi, a compact, one-armed robot, has become a reliable team member, seen bustling through corridors delivering medical supplies. The 4-foot-tall robot, designed by Diligent Robotics, has garnered affection from hospital staff, who often greet it with a friendly “good morning” or even a high five. Todd Brugger, the company’s chief operating officer, notes that Moxi is perceived as an integral part of the team, with around 100 units currently operational.
Instead of purchasing Moxi outright, hospitals can now rent or subscribe to its services, a model that provides significant financial relief. This approach, known as robotics-as-a-service, bundles the robot itself with maintenance and software upgrades, allowing hospitals to stay current without the burden of hefty initial investments. “It lowers the expense and the outlay for the hospital because you’re not paying for the full purchase up front,” Brugger explains. “More importantly, this tech is evolving very quickly.”
Expanding the Rental Horizon
The concept of renting robots is not limited to healthcare. Across various sectors, businesses are discovering the advantages of temporary robotic assistance. From robot bartenders to autonomous weeders for agriculture, the range of applications continues to grow. Humanoid robots, designed to mimic human behaviour, are also making their way into the rental market, primarily for entertainment purposes. These robots can perform tasks like dancing or serving at events, although they still require human oversight to navigate complex environments.
Ethan Qi, an associate director at Counterpoint Research, highlights the relatively simple process of training a humanoid robot to perform specific routines. “You hire a real dancer to perform and video it. The video is then used to train the robot,” Qi explains, adding that engineers often accompany the robots to manage unforeseen challenges.
The Appeal of Affordability and Flexibility
One of the driving forces behind the robotics rental boom is the rapid pace of technological advancement. As new models and iterations emerge annually, owning a robot can quickly lead to obsolescence. For instance, California’s 1X plans to launch its NEO home helper robot, available for a one-time payment of £15,000 or a monthly subscription of £378. Dar Sleeper, the company’s vice president of product and design, underscores the appeal of subscriptions: “While many customers will buy a NEO outright, a subscription significantly lowers the upfront cost, making it affordable for far more people.”
Moreover, rental agreements eliminate the need for extensive technical knowledge. Customers can rely on the rental service for troubleshooting, allowing businesses to embrace automation without the associated complexities of ownership.
Emerging Trends in Robotics Rentals
The demand for rented robots is not confined to humanoids alone. Chicago-based Formic has successfully established a fleet of over 250 industrial robots available on a robot-as-a-service model. Chief revenue officer Shawn Fitzgerald explains that their comprehensive service includes all maintenance costs. “If the robot arm burns out, that’s on us,” he asserts, emphasising the model’s potential to democratise access to automation for smaller enterprises that might lack the capital for outright purchases.
Innovative payment structures are also evolving within the industry. Marco Wang, an analyst at Interact Analysis, observes that some companies are beginning to tie rental fees directly to the labour savings generated by using robots. This aligns financial incentives with operational efficiency, creating a win-win scenario for businesses.
Additionally, the rental model allows manufacturers to test their products in real-world settings, gathering invaluable data to refine their technology. Wang notes that many humanoid robots remain in developmental stages, making this real-world testing essential for future advancements.
Global Perspectives on Robotic Rentals
China is at the forefront of the humanoid rental market, with companies like Shanghai’s Agibot offering their robots in numerous countries, including the UK. However, while rentals are on the rise, some Chinese firms continue to favour outright purchases due to government incentives and the prestige associated with ownership. Wang suggests that although rentals may be convenient, the allure of owning cutting-edge technology remains strong.
As the robotics market matures, the rental model is poised to grow, especially for businesses seeking flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Why it Matters
The shift towards robotics rentals signifies a transformative moment in the automation landscape. As industries grapple with the challenges of rapid technological change, the ability to rent rather than buy offers a pragmatic solution to harnessing the benefits of advanced robotics. This model not only democratizes access to automation but also fosters innovation by allowing businesses to experiment with new technologies without the financial burden of ownership. As robots increasingly integrate into various sectors, the rental paradigm could very well redefine how we interact with technology in our daily lives.
