For a one-off or time-limited trade fair or corporate event, a supported hire may be suitable if you don’t want your team to organise set-up and operate the robot themselves. Whether an operator should be on site throughout the event or a briefing for your stand team will be enough depends on the planned movements and conversations, visitor flow and the venue’s requirements. So compare hire packages by the support they actually include, how the event will run and who is responsible for what – not just by the robot model.
If you’re expecting lots of visitors at your stand, you’ll need a designated area for interactions and clear responsibilities for operating the robot. Supported deployments are part of Posevo’s offering. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) also covers areas such as floor space, routes for visitors and escape routes in its event safety guidance.
If no one in your team can take responsibility for set-up, operation and responding to technical issues, the level of on-site support is crucial. ECOSPHERE, Posevo and Robotollern describe packages that include technical staff or an operator. United Robotics Group offers different levels of support depending on the package, from a briefing with remote support to continuous on-site assistance.
For prepared greetings, product messages and frequently asked questions, a briefed team can be an alternative to continuous specialist support. United Robotics Group says its uMe Starter package includes tailored content, a briefing and remote support. Your team must be available and trained for the parts of the operation it is responsible for.
First decide what the robot will do with visitors and who will look after it. Then check that the plan works with your stand space and the venue’s requirements.
| What matters | What to check before booking | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Safe operation at the venue | Agree the stand area, visitor routes and set-up times with the venue. Check the power supply and floor conditions against the provider’s requirements. | If the robot is going to move close to visitors, I want to know in advance where it can operate and who will step in if something goes wrong. Around 42% of consumers put these location and safety questions first. |
| Support and responsibilities | Check whether technical staff will be on site only for set-up or throughout opening hours. Set out responsibilities and insurance cover in writing. | Without our own robotics staff, I need someone to manage day-to-day operation and be available if there’s any damage. This level of support is the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Planned visitor interaction | Agree and test greetings, product messages and answers to frequently asked questions in advance. If data will be collected, clarify who is responsible for the necessary arrangements. | If I want the robot to tell my product story, an eye-catching appearance without prepared content isn’t enough. Around 25% of consumers prioritise a suitable conversation flow. |
A package may include set-up and a briefing without a specialist staying at the stand throughout the event. For its uMe concept, United Robotics Group distinguishes between a Starter package with remote support and a Full Service package with on-site assistance.
Ask for the quote to specify when technical staff will be present, who will operate the robot during visitor hours and how issues will be handled.
ECOSPHERE, Posevo and Robotollern each list insurance as part of their respective offers. To make an informed decision, you’ll also need to know what types of damage are covered and how responsibility is shared between the provider and the event organiser.
Before signing a contract, ask about the type of insurance, level of cover, excess, exclusions, claims process and how liability is allocated in the contract.
A robot at your stand won’t automatically answer the questions that matter to your presentation. Posevo describes prepared speech sequences, while United Robotics Group plans greetings and product presentation content in advance.
Choose one main task – such as greeting visitors or giving a short product introduction – and rehearse it before visitors arrive. If the robot is going to collect data, discuss the necessary arrangements separately.
For its advertised hire package, ECOSPHERE requires, among other things, a nearby power supply and a level, dry surface. United Robotics Group says uMe needs a safe operating area and a full run-through.
Agree the space, power connections, visitor flow, set-up and rehearsal with the provider and venue in good time. Also name the people who will oversee operation or pause it if necessary.
Posevo describes supported robotics deployments for promotions, trade fairs and events, including the Unitree G1, Unitree R1 and Go2 Pro.
The uMe concept is designed for exhibition stands with prepared greetings and product content.
ECOSPHERE describes an hourly hire of the Unitree G1 Education for events and workplace trials.
Robotollern offers a short Unitree G1 appearance for trade fairs, corporate events and promotions.
Robotic Rental describes B2B hire packages for humanoid robots at trade fairs, conferences and brand events.
Not every hire package includes continuous on-site support. For uMe, United Robotics Group offers both a Starter package with a briefing and remote support, and a Full Service package with a robotics specialist on site. Decide which option suits your stand based on how you plan to operate the robot and who will be responsible.
In particular, check hire and support hours, set-up, briefing, transport, support and insurance terms. ECOSPHERE, for example, lists two technicians, as well as set-up, operation and dismantling; Posevo lists an operator, set-up and dismantling. The exact services included must suit your event date and plans.
For your specific event, the venue should confirm the planned stand area, technical connections, set-up times and visitor flow. For its Unitree G1 package, ECOSPHERE requires a level, dry surface and a nearby power supply; United Robotics Group says uMe needs a safe operating area and a run-through. The requirements of the venue itself also apply.
When employees are involved, employers in Germany must assess the risks associated with their work and document the necessary measures, as set out in Sections 5 and 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Under Section 12, employees must receive instruction before starting work involving new work equipment or technologies. So agree your stand team’s responsibilities and briefing before the event.