Robot Rentals vs. Buying: What Works Better for Warehouses?

As warehouses transition to automation, one of the key questions is whether to rent robots or purchase robots. This is an important question because it also affects flexibility, cost, and productivity. 

We will explore both options in order to identify the best option for current warehousing technology and the future market.

Why It Matters in Warehousing

Warehouses are changing because of innovation in robotic solutions for warehouse applications. For example, tasks such as moving inventory and picking orders could be done more easily with robotics technology, which could also reduce transactional mistakes and improve overall efficiency. 

HelloGard also has the best selection of high-end AI robot technology and autonomous mobile robots for logistics. No matter which option you choose, whether to purchase or rent, I want you to make an informed decision based solely on your objectives.

Robot Rentals: Flexibility, Lower Risk, and Easier Growth.

The benefits of renting robots extend beyond features and lower costs:

Lower capital outlay—you will spend significantly less money renting robots out of your capital budget.

Ease of scaling—ramping up for most seasons and just as easily scaling back.

Maintenance and software are included in most contracts—most rentals include service and maintenance.

Access to the latest technology without commitment.

HelloGard has several RaaS (Robotics-as-a-Service) models that we offer, like the Ottobot (a new delivery solution that is functionally better, safe, and often cheaper than traditional solutions).

Owning Robots: Great for Predictability and Customization.

If your processes are predictable, stable, and getting larger, ownership may be the best way to go:

Belgian tax benefits of permanent rather than rental assets—no monthly rental costs.

Full customization—you can configure your robots to work in strict workflows.

Lower cost of operational expenses over the decades. 

HelloGard has great products, such as the Keenon S100. This is a workhorse for warehouse delivery duty. Also, they have the Temi Robot for lighter, interactive, and more casual uses. 

Value of AI Robot Tech 

If you have an AI robot capability, that gear set can perform at a different level. Robots and connected systems can have capabilities to learn, adapt, and operate in a precise and consistent manner, and mistakes will be reduced, throughput improvements will be greater, and they may provide for reliable consistency. 

Why Autonomous Mobile Robots Will Accept Business

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), such as the Keenon S100 and Gausium Beetle 75 (and many other robots), can provide benefits beyond the demo. They provide visibility and monitoring of heavy physical workflow, such as relocating from one site to proper temporary or pallet storage, and specifically where mobile ordering or selecting an order is taking place. 

This takes physical strain off employees, increases operational productivity and efficiency, and provides on-the-job training for employees. 

Insights from robotics firms

Leading robotics companies take a hybrid "rent first" approach, with the "test-then-scale" model being used as a risk-mitigating scaling strategy by scaling wisely. Accordingly, the new HelloGard Intelligence platform allows enterprises to manage fleets of Gausium Beetle 75 and Keenon S 100 robots, both rented and owned, on the same platform so that all observations, actions, and data are available in the same place.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Characteristic	Rental Robots (Gausium Beetle 75 ) & Keenon S 100	Purchasing Robots
Initial Cost	More Affordable	More Expensive
Flexibility/ Scalability	More Flexible (Easy to change configuration)	Less Flexible (configuration fixed at purchase)
Maintenance & Support	Included in the rental agreement	Owner's Responsibility
Access to the Latest Technology	Generally included in upgrades	May need to buy the latest version
Long-Term Cost	Better for short- to variable-use	Better if doing regularly for the long term
Fleet Management	More Streamlined with systems like HelloGard Intelligence	Manual or requires additional software to manage

What to Consider When Choosing

Budget & Financial Flexibility

Can your operation withstand a significant upfront cost, or does a continuing rental or "pay-as-you-go" model make more sense?

Operational Demand Patterns

Do you have demand that is somewhat irregular, dynamic, and fluctuating? With rental robots, you gain flexibility and scalability that is easy.

Service Needs & Downtime Risk

By renting, you typically are getting service while you acquire ownership; when you acquire, you are doing your own internal, contracted service or outsourcing it.

Long-term strategy

Generally, rental robots are more flexible, while acquisition is only justified when you are expecting high utilization.

Automation Management

An example of a platform for automation management is HelloGard Intelligence, a destination platform for easy management of mixed fleet operations, some of which contain rentals and some purchased inventory.

Conclusion

In summary, rental robots provide flexibility and lower risk for operations that change, while buying robots makes sense for operations with a consistent high volume. In the end, whether you are bringing in AI robot systems, autonomous mobile robots, or collaborating with a reputable robotics supplier, the choice is up to your operations and financial goals. 

Hellogard can support you in both models. We can help create custom solutions for your warehouse and implement smart management tools, including HelloGard Intelligence, to enable your operations to be managed in real-time. Experience flexibility with us and have your operations future-proofed today.