Renting vs Buying

When renting makes sense

Renting suits work with a clear end date or an open question. An event, a trade show, a film shoot or a seasonal peak needs a robot for days or weeks, not years. A pilot asks whether a humanoid can do a task on your site at all, and renting can answer that before you commit capital. Renting can also let you try different makers or models in turn, and avoid owning hardware that newer models may overtake. The trade-off is that you usually have less control over the specific unit, its software and how long you can keep it.

When buying makes sense

Ownership tends to make more sense when the task is ongoing, the robot will be in daily use, and you want full control over its configuration, software and data. It also suits research and development, where teams modify the robot, run their own code and need it available on their own schedule. Owning a robot means taking on maintenance, storage, insurance and eventual replacement, so budget for the full cost of ownership rather than the purchase price alone. If you expect to use a robot for longer than a short pilot, compare the total rental cost over that period with the cost of owning.

Comparing the two honestly

Put both options on the same page. For renting, add the rental fee, delivery and collection, any operator or support charges, insurance, and the internal time your team spends. For buying, add the purchase price, setup, maintenance, insurance, storage and the value you could recover at the end. Then weigh what each option gives you: flexibility and lower commitment on one side, control and long-term availability on the other. One sensible approach is to rent first to answer the key questions, then buy once the case is proven. Listed prices and quotes on The Humanoid Group give you a reference point for the buying side.

Sources and further reading

• IFRS 16 Leases — IFRS Foundation.
  The international accounting standard for leases, which puts most leases over a year on the lessee's balance sheet.
• IFRS 16 Leases — Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
  Tracks amendments, effective dates and supporting material for IFRS 16 lease accounting.
• World Robotics 2025 – Service Robots (press release) — International Federation of Robotics.
  IFR service robot figures, including growth in robot-as-a-service and a shift towards rental agreements.

Common questions

Is renting a humanoid cheaper than buying one?

Over a short period, usually; over a long one, often not. Compare the total cost of each option across the time you actually expect to use the robot.

Can I rent first and buy later?

Some rental arrangements allow it, but terms vary. If you might buy, ask up front whether any rental fees can count towards a purchase.