Buy or lease – which is better for robots?
Both models have advantages and disadvantages:
Purchase:
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Lower cost long-term | High upfront investment |
| Full control | Technology risk (obsolescence) |
| Asset on balance sheet | Maintenance responsibility |
| Tax depreciation | Capital tied up |
Leasing/Rental (RaaS - Robotics-as-a-Service):
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Low upfront costs | More expensive long-term |
| Maintenance often included | No ownership |
| Flexibly scalable | Provider dependency |
| Always current technology | Contract commitments |
| Tax-deductible as operating expense |
Recommendation by Situation:
- Purchase: When the robot will be deployed >3 years and capital is available
- Leasing: For first-time users, pilot projects, or fast-growing companies
- RaaS: When maximum flexibility is desired and technology risk should be minimized
Compare offers from various manufacturers on Botomix and request quotes directly.