China has officially launched its first open robot rental platform, enabling users across 50 major cities to rent a wide variety of robots from over 600 service providers. Rental fees range from 200 yuan (around $28) to more than 10,000 yuan, depending on the type of robot and service.
The platform currently focuses on commercial performance needs, including humanoid and service robots for events, exhibitions, and public-facing activities, allowing businesses to access advanced robotics without the high upfront cost.
Plans are already underway to expand the platform to industrial applications, with pilot programs for factory and production line robots expected to roll out in 2026.
The initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of robotics, boost innovation, and make advanced technology more accessible to businesses and consumers alike.
Experts say the launch represents a major milestone in China’s robotics industry, highlighting the country’s drive to integrate automation into both commercial and industrial sectors while positioning itself as a global leader in robotics innovation.