Hardware-as-a-service (HaaS) is gaining momentum across a variety of industries. Many of the early adopters of HaaS are in robotics, offering robots-as-a-service (RaaS) to decrease barriers to entry and improve overall value to customers. Others offer machine-as-a-service (MaaS), device-as-a-service (DaaS), or equipment-as-a-service (EaaS).
Some companies pitch outcomes more than assets, offering data-as-a-service or platform-as-a-service models. From network-as-a-service to facades cleaning; managed service providers (MSPs) to managed security service providers (MSSPs); and autonomous construction equipment to diagnostic sensors and 3D printers, these companies are on the cutting-edge of their fields.
This post is part of a series about modern hardware companies, their business models, and the future of HaaS. For more, see posts from early and late August, early and late September, early and late October, and early and late November.
GrayMatter Robotics manufactures turnkey autonomous robotic solutions for a broad range of surface finishing applications. Its product portfolio includes SCAN&SAND (for dimensional correction and surface finishing), SCAN&GRIND (for removing materials from a variety of substrates), SCAN&BLAST (for stripping, cleaning, altering, and surface preparation), SCAN&COAT (for distributing uniform gel and powder coating), and SCAN&POLISH (for scratch-free surface finishes). All robots are powered by GrayMatter’s proprietary physics-informed AI, which enables them to self-program and adapt to high-mix, high-variability manufacturing environments. GrayMatter’s customers are in the aerospace, defense, maritime, specialty vehicles, and general manufacturing industries.
The company provides its solutions in a robots-as-a-service (RaaS) model: Rather than selling standalone hardware, GrayMatter bundles its proprietary AI with sensors, tools, and off-the-shelf robots to provide end-to-end, application-specific solutions to its customers. Customers pay an annual subscription fee that covers the hardware, software, and service, which allows for risk-free adoption, swift ROI, and continuous upgrades to the hardware, prompted by machine learning.
“Our autonomous systems can dramatically enhance production line productivity while reducing consumable waste,” says Ariyan Kabir, Co-founder and CEO. “It was important for us to offer a subscription model that allowed any manufacturer—from Fortune 100 companies to SMB operators—to adopt automation that evolves over time and adapts to their changing needs. Plus subscription service is inherently solutions-centric rather than tech-centric, ensuring both the provider and the customer work towards shared outcomes. This focus is designed to help our customers win.”
RobCo develops flexible robotic hardware kits for a variety of applications in SME manufacturing, such as machine loading and unloading, palletizing, dispensing, milling, engraving, and welding. The company’s robotic arms consist of seven or eight modular components, with different payload capacities and ranges depending on the use case. Thanks to RobCo Studio, the company’s vertically-integrated hardware and software platform, customers can intuitively assemble, configure, deploy, and manage the robots via a digital twin—a low-code approach that eliminates the need for manufacturers to retain onsite specialists. Robots can be easily reprogrammed for changing tasks.
RobCo offers its end-to-end solution through a robots-as-a-service (RaaS) model: Customers pay a fixed monthly fee for services rather than buying the hardware. The package includes the robots, application scoping and technical planning, installation, 24/7 support, a CE certification, module replacement for maximum uptime, remote maintenance, and regular system upgrades. The flat, recurring fee covers all emergency service charges and unforeseen downtime. Pricing starts at €3.50/hour. (Minimum wage in Germany, where the company’s headquarters are, is €12.41/hour.)
“Industrial automation used to be the exclusive domain of large corporations with the financial resources to invest in it,” says Roman Hölzl, RobCo’s co-founder and CEO. “But we think every factory deserves access to this technology. RaaS lets us deliver a comprehensive solution with no upfront costs, allowing manufacturers to combat skilled labor shortages and see immediate returns.”
Kiwibot builds semi-autonomous delivery robots equipped with GPS technology, advanced camera sensors, stereos, lidars, and AI to deliver food, medication, and more to students on university campuses and consumers in U.S. cities. The robots can generate optimal routes, operate in rain and snow, safely maneuver crosswalks and avoid obstacles, and send distress signals to an on-campus technician when stuck. Protective measures include built-in mechanisms that produce loud sounds if the Kiwibot is tampered with, or call police and send a GPS signal so they can be found. Consumers order over apps like Grubhub and Sodexo’s Everyday and track the robot’s journey. When it arrives, they open the Kiwibot by scanning a QR code.
The company offers its Kiwibots under a robots-as-a-service (RaaS) and delivery-as-a-service (DaaS) model: Kiwibot charges a flat fee per order, which can either be absorbed by the restaurant or retailer, or passed on to customers. For example, students at UMaine pay $14.99/semester for five food deliveries, $26.99/semester for 11 food deliveries, or $56.99/semester for unlimited food deliveries. Kiwibot subscription plans include other perks such as in-app discounts and birthday rewards.
Seegrid automates warehouses through autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that include a lift truck, a pallet truck, and a tow tractor. The company’s Lift CR1 AMR boasts a 15’ lift height while its Lift RS1 AMR automates low-lift processes, moving materials to and from storage, staging areas, and workcells. The Tow Tractor AMR delivers multiple payloads in a single trip. All of Seegrid’s AMRs navigate with the company’s proprietary computer vision technology that continuously captures and builds a 3D view of the space. A safety sensor suite allows them to seamlessly navigate dynamic environments.
While it offers purchasing and leasing options, Seegrid also operates under a robots-as-a-service (RaaS) business model. Customers pay a subscription fee for access to both the AMR fleet and Seegrid’s software: Fleet Central Supervisor, a fleet management system for easily-orchestrated AMR workflows; and Fleet Geek, a cloud-based fleet analytics software to pinpoint and resolve workflow bottlenecks, perform wellness checks, and optimize overall fleet performance. In the RaaS model, the entire service, along with the hardware, is fully supported and maintained by Seegrid.
Arnold Machine designs and manufactures turnkey automation solutions for a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, appliance, oil & gas, and heavy equipment. The company’s wide range of solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of every customer, and include adhesive application systems, anti-vibration solutions, assembly machines, automated spray coating systems, materials handling systems, industrial parts washers, process heating systems, and more. Arnold Machines has manufactured everything from industrial conveyors for Tier 1 automotive manufacturers to football bladder assemblies for sports equipment manufacturers.
The company offers its equipment under a machine-as-a-service (MaaS) model. Rather than making a conventional purchase by investing directly in the machines, customers subscribe to a holistic set of services. Arnold Machines’ packages include customization, installation, onboarding, staff training, maintenance, and repair.