What is robots-as-a-service (RaaS)? A guide to robot subscriptions

As automation becomes table stakes across industries, companies are rethinking how they access and deploy robotics. Robots-as-a-service (RaaS) is changing the game for robotics companies and customers, turning capital-intensive machines into flexible, subscription-based systems.

From drones and field robots to warehouse sorters and security patrol units, the RaaS model is accelerating access to advanced robotics. Instead of making large up-front investments, companies can now scale automation on demand—with less risk, lower overhead, and stronger ROI.

What is RaaS (robots-as-a-service)?

Robots-as-a-service, sometimes called robotics-as-a-service, is a business model offered by robotics companies that gives customers access to intelligent robotic systems through a subscription or usage-based (e.g., pay-per-task) pricing model. RaaS solutions may follow a “pay as you go,” “managed robotics,” or “outcome-based automation” model, depending on the use case.

RaaS is part of a broader movement toward everything-as-a-service. In the robotics world, this means packaging not just the robot itself, but also the software, AI capabilities, and ongoing support required to keep it running seamlessly and securely.

What sets RaaS apart is the bundling of AI-powered software with advanced robotic hardware, delivered as a managed service that covers setup, software updates, ongoing monitoring, and expert support. Whether it’s a last-mile delivery bot, an inventory drone, or an autonomous floor scrubber, few organizations have the in-house expertise to manage these systems alone. RaaS brings that expertise alongside the hardware. 

It also marks a shift in the business model, from one-time capital purchases to recurring service contracts. RaaS moves costs from capital expenses (capex) to operating expenses (opex), enabling faster automation adoption without long-term ownership risk. Pricing can be based on time (e.g., monthly or annual contracts), usage (e.g., per hour or per square foot), or outcomes (e.g., number of deliveries completed or shelves scanned).

Robots-as-a-service belongs to a broader trend of flexible ownership models, often grouped under terms like hardware-as-a-service (HaaS), equipment-as-a-service (EaaS), machine-as-a-service (MaaS), and device-as-a-service (DaaS). Each model is tailored to different types of assets, but they’re all built on the same idea: access over ownership.

RaaS vs. traditional robotics ownership: key differences

The business case for RaaS: benefits for providers and customers

RaaS is more than a financial model; it’s a shift in how companies deliver and scale intelligent automation. By wrapping hardware, software, and support into a managed service, RaaS creates compounding value for both robotics providers and the customers they serve:

The benefits of RaaS for robotics providers

More predictable revenue, faster sales cycles. Instead of relying on large, lumpy deals, providers generate consistent recurring revenue through subscriptions or usage-based contracts. And since customers aren’t blocked by heavy upfront costs, procurement is simpler, and deals tend to close faster.

Greater long-term returns. While it might take longer to break even on manufacturing costs, RaaS providers often earn more over time. By monetizing not just the robot, but also the intelligence layer—AI software, analytics, and automation workflows—they tap into the full lifetime value of the solution.

Deeper customer relationships. RaaS turns a one-time transaction into an ongoing partnership. Providers stay involved across the lifecycle, offering updates, maintenance, insights, and performance optimization. This continuous engagement fosters retention, upsells, and stronger alignment with customer outcomes. 

The benefits of RaaS for customers

Lower risk and better cash flow. RaaS removes the need for massive capital investments. Instead, companies pay a predictable monthly or per-task fee that covers everything from hardware and deployment to software and support, making robotics adoption less risky and easier to finance.

Flexible, on-demand scaling. Whether responding to seasonal demand or launching a new facility, customers can scale their automation footprint up or down without the burden of owning and managing physical assets. RaaS adapts as needs evolve.

Always current, always supported. With RaaS, maintenance and upgrades are the provider’s responsibility. Customers benefit from proactive service, continuous software improvements, and minimal downtime—all without needing a team of robotics engineers in-house.

4 robots-as-a-service examples

From autonomous forklifts and telepresence bots to drone fleets and landscaping machines, robotics companies across industries are deploying the RaaS model in creative ways. While each RaaS program is made up of different components with different RaaS pricing plans, they all deliver automation as an on-demand service, not a one-time purchase. Here are four robots-as-a-service examples:

Path Robotics

Path Robotics builds autonomous welding robots for manufacturing. Its AF-1 and AW-3 robotic cells use computer vision and proprietary AI (PathOS) to scan, plan, and execute welds without human input. As the cells work, they continuously self-monitor to meet stringent quality standards and learn. Path’s customers are in the transportation, manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, agriculture, and mining industries.

Under Path’s RaaS offering, customers pay a recurring subscription fee for access to the robots, automatic hardware and software updates, and 24/7 production assistance from the company’s Mission Control command center. Customers have the flexibility to scale up or down when their business needs change, and agreements can be as short as 24 months.

“The U.S. alone is experiencing a shortage of 400,000 skilled welders,” says Andy Lonsberry, CEO. “By adopting a RaaS model, we make automation more accessible to fill those labor gaps, while mitigating financial risk for our customers. Customers experience both short- and long-term savings, as well as faster deployments. The subscription model just makes sense for fostering stronger partnerships with our customers and keeping the latest technology on their floor.”

Serve Robotics

Serve Robotics builds autonomous sidewalk delivery bots that operate at Level 4 autonomy, navigating urban environments with limited human oversight. Each morning, the bots depart from city depots and position themselves near restaurant districts, ready to accept jobs from Uber Eats and other partners. Serve’s bots integrate seamlessly with food delivery platforms, enabling timely, cost-efficient, emission-free service.

Serve’s RaaS model provides autonomous delivery as a subscription or per-delivery service, bundling the robots with deployment, updates, and 24/7 remote support. Businesses like 7‑Eleven and Shake Shack pay per completed delivery, allowing them to scale robotic delivery without upfront hardware costs. Serve’s model helps businesses reduce labor costs while increasing delivery consistency and operational agility.

“Autonomous delivery should be as accessible as the food being delivered,” says Ali Kashani, co-founder and CEO of Serve Robotics. “By offering delivery as a service, we remove the barriers of ownership, letting businesses focus on growth while we handle the logistics. Our robots don’t call in sick, don’t get stuck in traffic, and don’t require tipping—just reliable, cost-effective service that scales with demand.”

Nauticus Robotics

Nauticus Robotics develops autonomous robots for ocean industries such as renewables, port management, oil & gas, and subsea mining. Its flagship underwater vehicle, Aquanaut, performs visual inspections and maintenance on infrastructure at depths up to 2,000 meters. It operates untethered on electric power, collaborates with a remote pilot, and transmits compressed and high-def images via Nauticus’ acoustic communications link. Aquanaut uses the company’s platform-agnostic ToolKITT software—powered by AI and machine learning—for fleet management, mission planning, supervised autonomy, and data collection.

Nauticus’ systems are delivered through both a RaaS pricing model and direct product sales. Under the former, customers can leverage Aquanaut’s subsea manipulation capabilities alongside ToolKITT’s management and analytics capabilities for a fixed recurring fee. As such, offshore operators can perform subsea operations without the need for large vessels, divers, and topside personnel, and without purchasing the robots outright.

“At Nauticus, we’re building eco-friendly alternatives to the hazardous and costly methods of the past,” says John Gibson, CEO. “RaaS allows the marine industry to access robotics, autonomy software, and services without capital outlay. This means they can reduce operating costs, operational footprints, and greenhouse gas emissions without the financial burden.”

Bluewhite

Bluewhite brings autonomy to orchards, vineyards, and specialty crops with an aftermarket solution for tractors. “Pathfinder” can be attached to almost any tractor model; it leverages AI, computer vision, and navigation technology to help the tractor execute a wide range of farming tasks (spraying, furrowing, mowing, harvesting, and more). Bluewhite’s hardware includes sensors, lidar, cameras, and algorithms to help the tractor “see” and collect data in the field. The tractor doesn’t rely on GPS or real-time positioning, which means it can service remote areas.

Bluewhite’s end-to-end service includes both the hardware and Bluewhite’s technology stack, Compass, which allows farmers to control their entire Bluewhite fleet remotely, get real-time data and visibility into operations, and access detailed insights about their crops. The package includes comprehensive training, customized support terms to fit customers’ operational needs, and 24/7 in-field and remote support as part of a five-year contract.

“The average annual cost of operating a legacy tractor is $100,000,” explains Founder and CEO Ben Alfi. “By equipping existing fleets with autonomous technology and an intuitive platform, and offering it back as a full-service, opex package that significantly reduces operational, maintenance, and labor costs, we make it possible for farmers to afford their technology again.”

What services are included in a RaaS offering?

Robots-as-a-service isn’t just about leasing hardware; it’s about delivering full-stack automation through a managed service. Most providers bundle the robotic hardware with supporting software, AI, and services that enable the system to run efficiently, adapt to dynamic environments, and deliver measurable outcomes. The most common RaaS services include:

1. AI and autonomy software. Core to any RaaS solution is the software that powers the robot’s intelligence. This may include onboard autonomy systems, machine learning models, computer vision, and cloud-based orchestration platforms. RaaS packages often include real-time software updates, remote monitoring, and continuous AI model refinement based on operational data.
2. Consumables. Some RaaS deployments require consumables: items that are used up or worn out through regular operation. In robotics, this might include cleaning pads, chemical agents, wearable tool components, or drone batteries. If consumables are essential to the robot’s function, they’re typically included in the RaaS contract or offered as add-ons.
3. Accessories. Accessories enhance or extend the robot’s functionality. These may include charging stations, swappable tool heads, additional sensors, safety barriers, or docking infrastructure. While not always bundled into the base subscription, they’re an important part of total system performance and are often offered as modular upgrades.
4. Installation, setup, and training. Depending on the complexity of the system, setup may range from plug-and-play to deeply integrated deployments. Many RaaS providers handle on-site installation, configuration, and initial training to ensure customers can operate the robots effectively—especially in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, or agriculture.
5. Maintenance, support, and repair. RaaS agreements almost always include ongoing service and support. This might mean scheduled preventative maintenance, field repairs, remote diagnostics, or access to a 24/7 command center. Since the provider retains ownership, they’re incentivized to keep the robots running reliably.
6. Warranty programs and service plans. To ensure uptime and reduce customer risk, many RaaS providers offer performance guarantees or warranty-backed service plans. These programs are especially useful in mission-critical environments or when customers lack internal technical support. Some are bundled into the subscription; others are optional upgrades.
7. Delivery and shipping. Delivery and retrieval of robotic units—especially large or specialized ones—can involve substantial logistics. Fees may be built into the contract, passed through from carriers, or billed separately depending on the scope and location of deployment. In seasonal or multi-site operations, redeployment may also be part of the RaaS service.

How RaaS compares to other models

While robots-as-a-service shares traits with other “as-a-service” and financing models, it differs in how value is delivered, how systems are managed, and who owns responsibility for performance. RaaS blends intelligent physical hardware with software, AI, and ongoing service, delivering automation as a business outcome, not a one-time product.

RaaS vs. traditional robot sales

In traditional sales, robotics companies sell the machine and step aside. Maintenance, upgrades, and operational success fall to the buyer. RaaS, by contrast, is a managed service: providers stay involved across the robot’s lifecycle, bundling hardware, autonomy software, support, and performance guarantees into one subscription.

RaaS customers aren’t buying a machine; they’re subscribing to a bundled solution. This model enables faster deployments, fewer ownership risks, and tighter integration with business outcomes like productivity, safety, or throughput.

RaaS vs. leasing

A lease spreads the purchase cost over time, usually with the customer taking on long-term ownership, responsibility, and risk. Support may be limited, and any maintenance, upgrades, or failures are typically handled in-house once the lease ends.

With RaaS, the provider retains ownership of the robot and remains accountable for the full equipment lifecycle: uptime, software updates, support, and even end-of-life asset recovery. RaaS isn’t about owning an asset; it’s about accessing a service that evolves with the customer’s needs.

RaaS vs. infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS)

Both models follow a pay-as-you-go structure, but what’s delivered is fundamentally different. IaaS gives customers access to virtual infrastructure—compute power, storage, and servers—hosted in the cloud. RaaS delivers intelligent machines that physically operate in the real world and must be deployed, maintained, and monitored across sites.

Thus, RaaS introduces logistics and field service challenges that IaaS doesn’t: hardware delivery, on-site setup, break/fix repair, remote supervision, and detailed usage tracking linked to pricing.

RaaS vs. platform-as-a-service (PaaS)

PaaS offers developers a remote environment to build, test, and deploy software—abstracting away the infrastructure layer. It’s fully cloud-native.

RaaS, on the other hand, is grounded in physical systems enhanced by AI and software. Providers must not only manage subscriptions but also track hardware activity in the field and link it to usage-based billing. This makes billing and accounting more complicated for RaaS companies, since the former must not only manage a subscription, but also track hardware activity in the field and tie that activity to subscription activity. 

Is robots-as-a-service the right model for your business?

RaaS can be the right model for both robotics providers and their customers under several key conditions:

• When it doesn’t make economic sense for the customer to own the robot outright. For example, if up-front costs are too high, or the robot would sit idle during off-seasons or between project cycles, a subscription model offers greater flexibility.
• When ongoing service and intelligence are as valuable as the robot itself. If your customers rely on your team for updates, AI optimization, or remote supervision—as in cases where warehouse staff or farmhands aren’t trained to manage autonomous machines—then service is the core value, not ownership. 
• When robots can be remotely monitored and managed. RaaS makes the most sense when providers can deploy software updates over the air, track usage in real time, and use telemetry data to maintain performance and uptime without being on-site.

How can robotics companies decide whether to go RaaS?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer: different robots, markets, and customer expectations call for different monetization strategies. But here are three key factors to weigh:

1. Consider the robot’s value and risk profile. Is your product a high-value system tied to high-stakes outcomes (e.g., precision welding, medical robotics, or offshore inspection)? If the combined cost of the robot and services is high, companies can price around value delivered and RaaS may offer a more scalable path to growth.
2. Consider the full solution, not just the hardware. In a RaaS model, you’re not just delivering a robot; you’re providing uptime, outcomes, and peace of mind. That means you’ll need to offer real, ongoing value: software updates that improve performance, support that prevents downtime, and AI that adapts to changing conditions. If you can’t back the robot with service, RaaS may not be the right fit.
3. Consider your company’s capacity. Do you have the resources to build the autonomy software, fleet infrastructure, and support operations needed to manage robots in the field? Are you financially prepared to delay break-even as you shift from hardware sales to recurring revenue? RaaS is operationally complex… but for the right companies, the payoff is recurring, predictable, and defensible. 

As the RaaS model continues to gain traction, robotics companies need systems that can keep up. That’s where Hardfin comes in: to help you manage, operate, and report on your robotics business—no matter how complex your model becomes. Track every robot, manage every project, and turn every deployment into scalable, recurring revenue.

As HaaS business models evolve, technology is evolving to support it. That’s where Hardfin comes in: manage, operate, and report on your hardware, regardless of the complexity of your business model.