Automation as a rental model

Modular robotics Automation as a rental model

2025-02-17 Source: Robco | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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Medium-sized companies are currently under enormous pressure. Automation can help, but acquiring robots is expensive. Robco now offers an alternative option with a rental model.

Modular robots combine the advantages of cobots and traditional industrial robots.(Image: Robco) — Modular robots combine the advantages of cobots and traditional industrial robots.
(Image: Robco)

In addition to the traditional acquisition of robotic systems, the German manufacturer Robco offers the rental model Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) as a flexible solution for medium-sized companies. This model includes all necessary components for automation without requiring a high initial investment.

A key advantage of the rental model is the quick return on investment (ROI). Due to predictable rental costs and the absence of high initial investments, the rental costs pay off within the first month, providing a risk-free way to automate manufacturing processes. The model also offers high flexibility as companies can adjust the rental period to their production requirements and vary the redemption price depending on the usage horizon. Another advantage is the comprehensive offering: In addition to the robots, the rental model includes the necessary software and peripherals. Planning and commissioning are also included, allowing companies to receive a complete automation solution from a single source.

Future-proof and plannable

Over a period of six years, companies can achieve significant savings of around 787,202 US dollars. With an hourly rate of 3.67 US dollars , the use of robots enables cost-effective automation of processes, ensuring productivity. Especially in times of skilled labor shortages, the robot-assisted solution offers an efficient alternative to seamlessly continue production processes and bridge staffing gaps. Additionally, the rental model guarantees 100 percent availability of the solution throughout the rental period, providing extra security. Companies can utilize their financial resources elsewhere while benefiting from a future-proof and plannable solution supported by regular maintenance and software updates. For example, at the company DE-VAU-GE, each deployed rental robot reduces the cost per shift and pays for itself within just six months. Wodewa also uses this robot-assisted technology to save approximately 3,148.80 US dollars monthly through process automation.

What are modular robots?

Robco is particularly known for its modular robots. These differ in several ways from cobots or traditional industrial robots. Cobots (collaborative robots) offer a certain flexibility but often reach their limits with more demanding manufacturing requirements as they do not always deliver the necessary performance or speed. They also require special safety measures such as rounded grippers or collision protection mechanisms, which add additional cost and complexity. In many cases, cobots must be used in a separate area or with safety fences. In contrast, traditional industrial robots are very powerful but not very flexible and expensive to purchase. They often require extensive retrofitting to adapt to new production requirements. Their rigid structure leads to long adaptation times and high operating costs, as extensive adjustments are often necessary. Modular robots, on the other hand, combine the advantages of both worlds: They offer the flexibility and user-friendliness of cobots along with the performance and efficiency of industrial robots—and at a much lower price. Thanks to their modular design, companies can quickly respond to changing requirements without compromising on performance or safety.

The versatility of modular robots

Modular robots have versatile applications in manufacturing, particularly in palletizing, welding, assembly, machine loading and unloading, pick-and-place, and quality control. Thanks to their flexibility, they can be easily adapted to new products, manufacturing processes, or operational requirements. This allows companies to respond to market changes without being burdened by long downtimes or expensive new acquisitions. The cost efficiency of modular robots is another key advantage: instead of purchasing entirely new systems, existing robots can be reconfigured, enabling significant savings. This allows financial resources to be deployed strategically elsewhere.

The easy implementation facilitates their integration into existing production environments. Thanks to plug-and-play solutions and standardized interfaces, the systems can be installed quickly and with little effort. With a no-code approach, access is also created for employees without programming knowledge, which eases adaptation within the workforce.

Unlike traditional robotics solutions, which often rely on a fixed, predictable environment, Robvision enables robots to respond flexibly to changes in their environment.

Equipped with artificial intelligence, robots can significantly expand their range of applications. An example of this technology is Robvision, an AI-supported automation system developed by Robco. It utilizes advanced technologies like computer vision and machine learning to enable robots to work autonomously even in unstructured and dynamic environments. Unlike traditional robotic solutions, which often rely on a fixed, predictable environment, Robvision allows robots to flexibly respond to changes in their surroundings. The robots are equipped with a camera that captures images of the environment. These images are processed by AI software to recognize objects and calculate the optimal gripping position. This enables the robots to precisely pick components even in chaotic, unsorted environments, elevating their flexibility and versatility to a new level.

In addition to intelligent functions, sensors also contribute to increased efficiency. They allow seamless communication between modules, provide valuable data such as power consumption, and lay the foundation for a digital twin of the robot. This optimizes processes and enables robots to continue working seamlessly in production even when individual modules are replaced.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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Another significant advantage of the maintenance-friendliness of modular robots is that defective parts can be easily replaced without taking the entire robot out of service. This minimizes downtime and reduces operating costs in the long term. At the same time, regular updates and upgrades offer high future security. Companies can thus be assured that their investments are protected in the long run, as the systems are always kept up to date with the latest technology. (kip)