Robots-as-a-Service

How RaaS is usually structured

In a robots-as-a-service agreement, a provider supplies robots for a recurring fee rather than selling them outright. The fee is often charged monthly or annually, and some providers price by usage instead, such as per hour worked, per task or per item handled. Agreements commonly bundle the hardware with software, updates, monitoring and maintenance, and sometimes deployment and training too. The provider usually keeps ownership of the robots. Terms vary widely between providers, so treat any single model as an example rather than a standard, and compare what each fee actually includes.

Where RaaS fits

Service models suit organisations that want to start without a large capital outlay, keep costs predictable, or avoid managing robot hardware themselves. They can also reduce the risk of being left with outdated equipment, since upgrades may be part of the agreement. Ownership can suit teams with stable, long-term tasks, in-house technical skills and a preference for full control over configuration and data. It is worth comparing both: the total service cost over the expected life of the deployment against the purchase price plus maintenance, support and internal effort. The right answer depends on your finance model as much as on the robot.

Terms worth checking

Read the agreement for minimum term, notice period and what happens at renewal. Check which service levels are offered for uptime and response, and what remedies apply if they are missed. Ask who owns the data the robots generate, and whether you can export it. Confirm how price changes, additional units and new sites are handled, and whether you can move to ownership later. Finally, ask what happens if the provider stops supporting a model or ceases trading. Clear answers to these questions matter more than the headline monthly fee.

Sources and further reading

• The Service Robot Market Is Scaling. Just Not Where the Hype Is. — Association for Advancing Automation (A3).
  A3 analysis of 2025 service robot sales, noting robots-as-a-service leads among US suppliers.
• IFRS 16 Leases — IFRS Foundation.
  The accounting standard that decides when a robot service contract counts as a lease on the balance sheet.
• ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Service management system requirements — International Organization for Standardization.
  Requirements for a service management system, a benchmark for a provider's service levels.

Common questions

Is robots-as-a-service the same as leasing?

Not quite. A lease typically finances the hardware alone, while a RaaS agreement often bundles hardware with software, maintenance and support for one fee.

Can I buy robots instead of subscribing?

Yes. Robots on The Humanoid Group are available to buy at a listed price or by quote, giving you a clear comparison against service fees.