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 April, early and late May, early and late June, and early July.
PaintJet is a robotics and materials science company that provides autonomous systems for industrial painting, designed to improve precision and efficiency on large-scale projects. The company’s flagship Bravo robot is mounted to common aerial lifts and uses predictive imaging to scan and spray large surfaces box by box—painting warehouses, marine vessels, and wind turbines up to 14x faster than manual crews. Paired with PaintJet’s proprietary coating technology and AI software, the robot minimizes overspray, uses 25% less paint, and ensures a flawless finish that extends the maintenance cycle and reduces overall operating costs. With drones for surface inspection and pre-treatment capabilities like washing and sanding, PaintJet offers a true end-to-end robotic painting service.
Rather than selling or leasing its robots, PaintJet operates under a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model. Customers pay for full-service painting, which includes robotic equipment, proprietary paint, remote operation by trained technicians, predictive imaging analysis, and ongoing maintenance. This pricing model eliminates upfront capital investment for customers while guaranteeing a higher-quality, longer-lasting finish backed by a five-year warranty. PaintJet manages every stage of the job—from inspection and planning to application and reporting—ensuring consistency, safety, and ROI without requiring customers to manage or maintain any of the technology themselves.
“We’re not just automating a process; we’re fundamentally changing the economics and execution of industrial painting,” says Kristopher Goins, CEO of PaintJet. “With our Robots-as-a-Service model, customers gain access to cutting-edge robotics without the burden of ownership. Powered by AI and advanced vision systems, our technology doesn’t just paint; it inspects surfaces in real time, identifying defects and inconsistencies before they become costly problems. This early detection streamlines construction workflows, reduces rework, and improves overall quality. We remove traditional barriers such as capital expense, labor shortages, and safety risks so our partners can focus on progress, while we deliver a faster, safer, smarter solution.”
Symbotic
Symbotic’s end-to-end warehousing solution consists of a fleet of autonomous robots called SymBots, equipped with advanced computer vision and sensing capabilities. SymBots reach speeds of up to 20 mph as they store and retrieve cases, delivering them to outbound cells where robotic palletizers build high-density, mixed-SKU pallets at a rate of 1,350 cases per hour. Symbotic’s proprietary AI-powered software orchestrates the robots’ work, allowing them to handle a virtually unlimited number of SKUs and collecting up to 6 terabytes of warehouse operations data per day. Algorithms factor in rules for item crushability, caustics, and item grouping for visibility or promotions, making it easier to replenish store shelves downstream. Symbotic’s system is modular; customers can either retrofit existing warehouse space or implement modules as part of a phased approach.
Historically, Symbotic has sold its system outright to retailers, wholesalers, and grocers with extensive distribution operations. But the company recently established a joint venture with SoftBank Group called GreenBox Systems to make Symbotic’s solution available under a robots-as-a-service (RaaS) pricing model. Under this model, small- and mid-sized companies have access to the technology for a recurring subscription fee, without the burden of major capital expenditures. Subscriptions include hardware, software, parts, and services.
Baseline Energy Services
Baseline Energy Services provides temporary electric power solutions to the oil and gas industries. The company’s fleet of mobile generators, including the NG 400, NG 250, and NG 200, are equipped with U.S. EPA-certified engines that run on natural gas or propane, delivering a low-carbon and efficient energy source. These generators are built for durability and portability, with advanced engine control units for optimized performance and reliability. Baseline’s generators reduce electric power costs, enhance equipment uptime, and decarbonize operations by utilizing raw and refined natural gas fuels.
The company’s “energy-as-a-service” model redefines how power is delivered to oilfields. By offering its generators for a flat monthly fee that includes 24/7 remote monitoring, maintenance, and parts, Baseline eliminates the need for heavy upfront capital investment. Contracts may include wellsite rentals, microgrid solutions, and standby power services, ensuring reliable electricity for various oilfield operations, from production to drilling to water management. The as-a-service model supports sustainability goals by leveraging low-carbon natural gas, aligning operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Prime Robotics specializes in intelligent automation solutions for warehouses, distribution centers, and material handling industries. The company’s product range includes advanced autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) such as MobileShelf, a shelf-to-person AMR designed for high-volume goods-to-person picking, and MobilePallet, a pallet-to-person AMR capable of transporting payloads of up to 4,400 lbs. These robots streamline tasks such as picking, packing, palletizing, and order fulfillment with precision and speed. Prime Robotics’ hardware is powered by a software suite that includes the Prime Management Console (for real-time monitoring and control of robotic operations), the Prime Execution System (for generating missions and executing path planning), and the Workflow Builder (for creating and modifying workflows tailored to the business’ unique needs). These platforms enable enhanced operational oversight, improved efficiency, and scalability across warehouse operations.
The company offers its end-to-end solution through a robots-as-a-service (RaaS) business and pricing model, transforming automation from a capital-intensive investment into a flexible, subscription-based solution. By bundling advanced robotics, intelligent software, and comprehensive support into a single package, Prime allows businesses to adopt cutting-edge technology without the financial strain of large upfront costs. This model empowers companies to deploy automation quickly, scale effortlessly as demands fluctuate, and benefit from ongoing upgrades that keep their systems at the forefront of innovation.
AGILOX
AGILOX develops and manufactures Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) designed to optimize material transport in warehouses and production facilities. Unlike traditional Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), AGILOX’s AMRs operate without the need for external infrastructure such as fixed paths or centralized fleet management software. Instead, they use AGILOX’s proprietary X-SWARM Technology, which enables direct communication between robots, allowing them to dynamically adjust routes, share real-time data, and optimize task distribution. The company’s AMRs—including AGILOX ONE, AGILOX OCF, and AGILOX OFL—are designed for a variety of load capacities and transport scenarios, from small component movement to heavy pallet handling. The robots feature omnidirectional driving systems, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and plug-and-play integration, making them adaptable to changing environments and easy to deploy in logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain operations.
To make automation accessible to businesses of all sizes, AGILOX offers multiple financing models. Companies can choose to purchase AMRs outright for long-term cost savings and full control over their fleetS. For those seeking flexibility, leasing options allow businesses to integrate AMRs without large upfront capital investment, often bundling maintenance and service into the agreement. Short-term rentals provide an opportunity to test AMRs before committing to long-term automation, and the Movement-as-a-Service (MaaS) model offers a fully managed solution in which businesses pay a fixed base rate plus a variable fee based on operational hours. The MaaS model lowers financial barriers to entry while ensuring continuous support, software updates, and access to the latest technology.