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 September, early and late October, early and late November, and early December.
Machina Labs combines industrial robotics, AI, and modular design to transform how metal parts are formed and finished. Its flagship platform, RoboCraftsman, replaces traditional tooling with software-defined robotic arms that can rapidly form complex sheet metal geometries through a proprietary RoboForming process. The system incorporates high-resolution sensors and AI-driven feedback loops to monitor forming in real time, detect defects, and produce a digital twin of each part. Additional modules enable trimming, finishing, and dimensional scanning—all on the same machine. Capable of working with aluminum, titanium, and other metals, Machina’s platform supports a wide range of industrial and defense applications, from aircraft components to rocket panels.
The company operates under a hybrid hardware-plus-software business model. Customers purchase the RoboCraftsman platform (a basic two-arm setup costs around $2.5 million) and subscribe to ongoing software and AI model updates. Machina Labs also offers long-term service contracts, remote system monitoring, and production services for customers who prefer to outsource part manufacturing to Machina’s own facilities. This model supports both owned deployment and on-demand manufacturing, giving companies flexibility in how they access Machina’s advanced capabilities.
“RoboCraftsman is more than a machine,” says co-founder and CEO Edward Mehr. “It’s a new model for how we build and scale elastic factories. By combining AI, robotics, and material science, we can form and assemble complex metal structures without tooling. The hybrid business model eliminates long lead times and accelerates innovation across aerospace, defense, and automotive—industries that have been constrained for decades and are ready for real change.”
Inceptio Technology
Inceptio Technology develops and deploys full-stack autonomous driving systems for Class 8 trucks. Its flagship product, the Inceptio Autonomous Driving System, is a production-grade Level 3 solution co-developed with top OEMs and preloaded directly into new heavy-duty trucks. The company’s vehicles integrate cutting-edge capabilities like LiDAR-based perception, predictive fuel-efficient driving, lane-level autonomy, and full-stack sensor fusion. With over 2,000 trucks in commercial use and more than 200 million kilometers logged, Inceptio’s platform is one of the most widely deployed and validated autonomous freight technologies on the market. These systems are already operating nationwide in China across use cases like express delivery, FTL/LTL freight, and cold chain logistics.
Inceptio operates under a hybrid model combining advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) sales to OEMs with a growing autonomous Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) freight network. OEM partners preload the Inceptio stack into production vehicles, while logistics companies purchase or lease those trucks for commercial use. Inceptio’s TaaS network provides logistics customers with autonomous fleet operations that lower labor costs by 20–50% and improve fuel efficiency by 3–7%. This embedded + network model allows Inceptio to scale both hardware and service revenue while accelerating the commercial adoption of autonomous freight.
EndoQuest Robotics
EndoQuest Robotics develops a flexible surgical platform that allows doctors to perform procedures through the body’s natural orifices instead of making external incisions—reducing pain, speeding recovery, and avoiding visible scars. Unlike traditional rigid laparoscopic robots, the system navigates the body’s natural pathways, supporting applications in gastroenterology, urology, and other minimally invasive fields. It includes a steerable robotic arm, multi-channel access, intuitive controls that shorten the learning curve for surgeons, and an integrated 3D visualization interface for real-time guidance. The platform is designed to fit seamlessly into hospital workflows, with ongoing development focused on expanding supported procedures and providing robust training and clinical validation.
The company uses a hybrid Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) model. Surgical centers purchase the robotic platform as a capital expenditure, but also engage in ongoing service and support contracts that provide maintenance, updates, and access to training programs. For healthcare providers seeking financial flexibility, EndoQuest offers structured leasing options with monthly payments, reducing upfront costs and enabling wider adoption. This hybrid model ensures that hospitals can access cutting-edge robotic systems while benefiting from continuous support and evolving capabilities.
Aerialoop
Aerialoop develops autonomous drone delivery systems aimed at improving urban logistics by reducing delivery times, lowering emissions, and enabling rapid transport for critical goods. The company's fleet includes drones with large payload capacities, long-range capabilities, and AI-powered autonomous navigation, enabling seamless integration into logistics networks. Their flagship delivery drone, the ALT6-8, can transport medical supplies, e-commerce packages, and even temperature-controlled goods, ensuring efficient and reliable aerial transport in urban environments.
The company operates a hybrid recurring revenue model that combines hardware sales, leasing options, and subscription-based services for drone logistics. Businesses can purchase or rent Aerialoop’s drones, with rental packages that reduce upfront costs and support scalable operations. Aerialoop’s service plans include software updates, maintenance, and operational support so customers continually benefit from improvements in drone technology. Through partnerships with logistics companies, retailers, and healthcare providers, Aerialoop also delivers an on-demand delivery-as-a-service (DaaS) model that helps organizations streamline last-mile delivery with fast, eco-friendly aerial transport.
Tailos
Tailos builds Rosie, an AI-powered commercial robot vacuum equipped with LiDAR and depth-camera SLAM, purpose-built to clean public corridors, guest rooms, and high-traffic indoor spaces without prior mapping or infrastructure tweaks. Rosie autonomously navigates and delivers ~95% coverage at up to ~2,000 ft²/hour, while capturing environmental metrics (like Wi‑Fi strength and cleanliness levels) that are fed into a cloud analytics platform for remote monitoring and housekeeping optimization.
Tailos operates under a flexible pricing model. A subscription costs $479/month (month-to-month, cancel any time) and includes Rosie, unlimited bags, bag replacements, a two‑year warranty, and white-glove support. The company also offers outright purchase at ~$7,999 with optional annual maintenance and volume discounts. This approach gives clients both CAPEX and OPEX options: outright ownership for those preferring assets on their books and subscriptions to eliminate upfront costs and to ensure ongoing service.