Robotics firms rent out Moxi hospital robots to avoid obsolescence
Robotics companies are increasingly offering machines through rental and subscription agreements rather than requiring customers to purchase them outright. Hospitals across the US are deploying Moxi, a single-armed robot that transports medical supplies, under this model, which includes maintenance and software improvements without large capital outlays. The approach appeals to organisations seeking to deploy advanced technology without the risk of investing heavily in hardware that may become outdated.
The rental model addresses a fundamental challenge with purchasing rapidly evolving robotics: new generations of machines arrive regularly, making owned units obsolete. Companies ranging from hospital automation firms to manufacturers of humanoid home assistants are adopting subscription options, with prices starting around $500 monthly for home robots. This flexibility allows businesses and consumers to access cutting-edge capabilities, avoid costly expertise requirements, and upgrade as improved versions become available, without committing to expensive purchases.
- Robot rental and subscription models are expanding as an alternative to outright purchase, making advanced automation accessible to more organisations
- Lower upfront costs, included maintenance, and ability to upgrade as technology improves are driving adoption across hospitals, farms, and events
- Companies position rentals as solving the problem of rapid hardware obsolescence that makes purchasing new robotics risky
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Originally published by BBC Technology as “Robots available for rent: But what can they do?”.