For a one-off trade fair appearance or open day, a staffed hire is a sensible starting point before you consider buying a robot. TONEART-Rent and ECOSPHERE describe packages that include on-site personnel. The key factors are your planned schedule, the interactions that will be actively supervised and the conditions at the venue. A pre-programmed demonstration does not guarantee unrestricted interaction with visitors.
If you’re planning a short-term appearance at a trade fair, conference or open day, you can include operation and technical support in your hire package. TONEART-Rent describes events with an operator and specialist staff, while ECOSPHERE lists technicians to run the robot on site.
If you’re planning an appearance featuring recurring scenes or prominent branding, the customisation options described by TONEART-Rent for the Unitree G1 Event may be suitable. Agree a specific schedule in advance to clarify which interactions are possible.
A staffed demonstration can bring humanoid robotics to life for visitors or learners. If you also want to assess the robot for a future operational role, you’ll need a separate trial with suitable evaluation criteria, such as the Proof of Concept described by ECOSPHERE.
First decide what you want visitors to experience and where the robot will be used. Then agree staffing, the schedule and technical requirements with the hire company and venue.
| Consideration | What to check before booking | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Safety and location | Agree responsibilities and safety measures with the hire company and venue; check the space and power supply against the specific package. | If the robot will be used close to the audience, I need a plan that the venue and the people responsible can support together. Around 33% of consumers rank this as their top concern. |
| Schedule and supervision | Set out the operating times, the operator’s duties, and set-up and dismantling arrangements in writing. | With a busy event schedule, I want to know who will operate the robot and what happens if there’s an interruption. A predictable, supervised schedule is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Visitor interaction | Check each planned scene to establish what is pre-programmed and what an operator triggers or controls. | If the appearance is to reflect my brand, I need to be able to plan visitor interactions in detail beforehand. This is a key concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Purpose of the demonstration | Distinguish between an event demonstration and a separate trial for a future operational role. | If I want to explain robotics to learners or visitors, a clear demonstration matters more to me than claims about long-term operation. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this goal. |
Pre-programmed movements and operator control can make for an engaging trade fair appearance. But they don’t mean the robot can navigate through crowds independently or hold arbitrary conversations. TONEART-Rent describes both planned scenes and operator support for the G1 Event.
For every interaction you want, agree what triggers it, the operator’s role, what visitors are allowed to do and how to stop the scene.
Staffing, transport, set-up and bespoke scenes may be handled differently depending on the package. The on-site package described by ECOSPHERE isn’t necessarily representative of what other hire companies offer.
Compare written specifications for the same hire period and clarify who is responsible for transport, induction, support if something goes wrong and dismantling.
When employees use the robot as work equipment, Section 3 of the German Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance requires a risk assessment before use; CE marking does not replace this. You must also clarify who is responsible at the specific event venue.
Ask the hire company for operating information and agree safety measures with the people responsible for the event and venue.
A hosted demonstration doesn’t automatically show whether a robot can perform a particular task in day-to-day work. ECOSPHERE describes a separate Proof of Concept for this, which examines factors including cycle time and degree of autonomy.
If you’re considering a business application as well as the event, define a separate trial with measurable requirements.
This hire company offers, among other things, event packages featuring humanoid robots from Unitree.
ECOSPHERE offers a staffed Unitree G1 Education hire package for events including trade fairs and open days.
RobShare hires out the social humanoid robot Pepper for events and workshops, among other things.
Yes, for the hire package described by TONEART-Rent: the company provides an operator and technical specialists for its models. For other packages, ask specifically who will handle control, demonstrations and supervision throughout the hire period.
ECOSPHERE’s package requires a power outlet within reach, a flat, dry surface and an on-site contact. Ask the hire company to confirm the requirements for your chosen robot against the venue plan.
No. If employees use the robot as work equipment, CE marking does not replace the risk assessment required under Section 3 of the German Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance. Before use, the employer must assess the risks and identify any necessary safety measures.
In Bavaria, Section 38 of the Ordinance on Places of Assembly makes the venue operator responsible for event safety. Duties can only be transferred to the event organiser under the specified conditions, and this does not remove the operator’s responsibility. Check the applicable state legislation, your contract and the venue’s requirements for your event location.