(Yicai) Dec. 26 -- China’s robot rental market is heating up as demand surges for corporate annual galas and commercial performances toward the end of the year, with daily rental prices ranging from several hundred yuan to as much as CNY10,000 (USD1,380) per unit.

The seasonal spike has led to the rapid emergence of robot rental service platforms across the country. According to one Shanghai-based rental company contacted by Yicai, the firm represents well-known robot brands including Unitree Robotics and AgiBot, also known as Zhiyuan Robotics Technology.

The sector’s rapid growth follows the high-profile performance of Unitree robots at China Central Television’s Spring Festival Gala last year, which helped catalyze the emergence of China’s robotics-as-a-service market. Under this model, companies can access robot services by paying relatively limited rental fees, signaling the arrival of a “gig economy” for robots.

According to earlier estimates by AgiBot, China’s robot rental market has already surpassed CNY1 billion (USD138 million) in size and is expected to reach at least CNY10 billion (USD1.4 billion) next year. AgiBot has also recently launched its own robot rental platform, Qingtian Rental.

Booked Through February

A quotation sheet provided to Yicai shows that the Unitree U2 dancing robot is priced at around CNY5,000 (USD690) per unit per day, while the lowest-priced option, the Unitree Go2Air robot dog, rents for about CNY1,000 (USD138) per unit per day. The AgiBot Yuanzheng A2, which is marketed as capable of advanced intelligent interaction, commands a daily rental fee of CNY10,000. All quoted prices include technical support staff and transportation.

The same staff member noted that some platforms advertising daily rates of only a few hundred yuan are using those figures mainly to attract customers. “Various additional fees are added later, so the final total cost is never that low,” she said.

Another robot rental platform told Yicai that demand has been exceptionally strong in recent weeks, with most bookings used for performances at corporate annual events. “Our schedule is basically fully booked through February,” a staff member said, adding that customers are advised to place orders as soon as possible. He also noted that rental prices fluctuate frequently, sometimes changing on a daily basis.

Service information sent by a third platform shows that its robots can perform a wide range of tasks and performances, including guest check-in and reception, tai chi routines, waving and heart-shaped gestures, guest guidance, dance shows, QR code interaction, and countdown cheering.

Seasonal Demand

Despite the expanding market, industry players caution that short-term rentals carry inherent risks. Sun Yu, chief executive of intelligent hardware platform Xihe Digital Intelligence, told Yicai that products often see demand only during specific periods. “Intense price competition during peak seasons, combined with long stretches of idle time, exposes operators to significant risks,” he said.

Sun added that Xihe is exploring the feasibility of long-term robot rentals focused on enterprise applications such as patrol and inspection services. “We charge on an annual basis, which provides more stable income for operators,” he said.

Looking ahead, Sun said robot rental services should evolve into broader “intelligent services.” “What users rent should not just be the robot’s physical body, but also its underlying intelligence and Big Data capabilities,” he said, adding that companies able to transition from equipment lessors to intelligent service operators will gain an advantage in the next phase of competition.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine