What hidden costs come with robots?

Beyond the purchase price, the following costs should be budgeted:

Frequently Overlooked Cost Items:

1. Network Infrastructure (EUR 1,000-10,000):

   • Dedicated WiFi network for robots
   • Access points in warehouses/corridors

2. Floor Modifications (EUR 500-5,000):

   • Removing thresholds, installing ramps
   • Floor markings for charging stations

3. Software Licenses (EUR 2,000-8,000/year):

   • Fleet management software
   • Cloud services and updates
   • Some manufacturers require annual licenses

4. Staff Costs for Supervision:

   • 30-60 minutes daily for monitoring and cleaning the robot
   • Troubleshooting during malfunctions

5. Insurance (EUR 500-2,000/year):

   • Liability for autonomous systems
   • Electronics insurance

6. Downtime Costs:

   • Backup solution during maintenance/repair
   • Lead times for spare parts (1-4 weeks)

7. Training Costs (EUR 1,000-3,000):

   • Initial training at commissioning
   • Refresher training for staff turnover

Use the Botomix ROI Calculator for a comprehensive cost overview.