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The robot rental market in China is experiencing a surge, driven by heightened demand for corporate year-end galas and commercial performances. Daily rental prices for these robots can range from a few hundred yuan up to CNY10,000 (approximately USD1,380) per unit.
This seasonal spike has prompted the rapid emergence of numerous robot rental platforms nationwide. One such Shanghai-based company represents well-known brands like Unitree Robotics and AgiBot, also known as Zhiyuan Robotics Technology.
The industry’s swift expansion follows a high-profile performance by Unitree robots at a major national television gala last year, which significantly boosted the robotics-as-a-service sector. Under this model, companies can access robot functionalities with relatively modest rental fees, marking the dawn of a “gig economy” for robotics.
Earlier estimates indicate that China’s robot rental industry has already surpassed CNY1 billion (around USD138 million) in market size and is projected to reach at least CNY10 billion (about USD1.4 billion) next year. Recently, AgiBot launched its own rental platform called Qingtian Rental.
Pricing details provided to us reveal that the Unitree U2 dancing robot costs approximately CNY5,000 (roughly USD690) daily per unit, while the more affordable Unitree Go2Air robot dog rents for about CNY1,000 (USD138) per day. The AgiBot Yuanzheng A2, renowned for advanced intelligent interaction capabilities, commands a rental rate of CNY10,000 daily. All prices include technical support and transportation.
An employee from another platform noted that some companies advertising daily rates of only a few hundred yuan often use these low figures mainly to attract customers. “Additional fees are typically added later, so the final cost is usually higher than the initial quote,” she explained.
Demand has been particularly strong in recent weeks, with most bookings serving corporate event performances. “Our schedule is almost fully booked through February,” said a staff member, who advised clients to reserve early. He also mentioned that rental prices tend to change frequently, sometimes daily.
Another platform shared that its robots are capable of a wide array of tasks, including guest check-ins, tai chi routines, gestures like waving and forming hearts, guiding visitors, performing dance routines, QR code interactions, and countdown celebrations.
Despite the market’s growth, industry insiders caution about the risks associated with short-term rentals. Sun Yu, CEO of a digital hardware platform, explained that many products experience demand only during specific seasons. “Intense price competition during peak periods, combined with long idle periods, poses significant risks for operators,” he said.
Sun also noted that his company is exploring the possibility of long-term rentals geared toward enterprise uses, such as patrol and inspection services. “We offer annual leasing options to provide more stable revenue streams,” he added.
Looking ahead, industry experts believe robot rental services should evolve into broader “intelligent service” offerings. “What users should rent isn’t just the robot’s physical body but also its underlying intelligence and data capabilities,” Sun emphasized. He believes that companies transitioning from equipment rentals to providing comprehensive intelligent services will hold a competitive advantage in the future market.
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